Congressman Ryan Announces Youngstown and Austintown Fire Department Grants

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan announces today that Youngstown and Austintown Fire Departments have been awarded Fire Prevention and Safety grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Youngstown Fire Department received $372,013 and Austintown Fire Department received $71,593.

"There are few things more important than supporting services that help protect the lives of our families and friends, and as a result I always offer my support to grants of this nature," said Congressman Ryan. "This money will enhance fire prevention and over all safety to both departments. I congratulate Fire Chief's John O'Neill and Andrew Frost for their hard work in obtaining these grants."

"The Youngstown Fire Department is extremely grateful for the much needed FEMA DHS Grant awarded to our Department. The money will be used for the purchase of new SCBAs which are one of the most vital pieces of equipment a fire department uses for the safety of our personnel. Our current units are aging and in need of frequent repair so this grant will ease a financial burden facing us with needing to upgrade," said Battalion Chief Gary DiTullio, Youngstown Fire Department.

"Being awarded the AFG Grant will allow our Fire Department to purchase some much needed safety equipment. These funds will be used to replace structural firefighting turn-out gear that has reached its mandated maximum 10 year life span. Our Department relies heavily on alternative funding sources such as this Grant. For more than a decade, this Grant has dramatically increased the safety of our Firefighters. I would like to thank the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and our Legislators for this award," said Fire Chief Andrew Frost, Austintown Fire Department.

The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and emergency medical service organizations. Operations and Safety grants can be used for professional training, wellness and fitness programs equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. For more information, please visit the program's website.

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