Santorum and Specter Announce Thirty-Fourth Round of Funding for Pennsylvania Fire Companies

Santorum and Specter Announce Thirty-Fourth Round of Funding for Pennsylvania Fire Companies

Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that the Department of Homeland Security has approved funding for fire companies in Pennsylvania.

"This funding will provide our first responders with the training they need to provide communities in Pennsylvania with the best protection possible," said Senator Santorum. "It is important that local fire departments and emergency personnel are outfitted with the equipment, tools, and skills they need to ensure the safety and security of Pennsylvanians during times of need."

"Our Pennsylvania firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of millions of people," Senator Specter said. "This grant will help assure their protection as they safeguard our communities. I commend the Office of Domestic Preparedness for recognizing this priority and for its continued support of the nation's fire services."

These grants are the thirty-fourth round of funding from the Office of Domestic Preparedness (ODP) and the United States Fire Administration's Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. Congress approved $750 million in direct assistance for the 2004 program to support firefighters throughout the country.

This program is designed to provide an opportunity for the U.S. Congress and ODP to enhance fire service in locations across the country by providing funding for firefighting operations, firefighter safety, EMS delivery, vehicle purchase, and prevention programs.

Grants have been approved for the following companies in Pennsylvania:

· $480,857 for Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Company in Allegheny County.
· $342,000 for Mansfield Hose Company, Inc. in Tioga County.
· $123,899 for Wissahickon Fire Company in Montgomery County.
· $65,880 for William Penn Fire Company Number 1 in Schuylkill County.
· $61,301 for White Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Westmoreland County.
· $49,500 for Quaill District Firemen's Association in Allegheny County.
· $46,800 for Quakertown Fire Department in Bucks County.
· $45,000 for Telford Fire Company in Montgomery County.
· $40,500 for Marysville Fire Company in Perry County.
· $31,500 for Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. in Allegheny County.
· $18,900 for Hartstown Volunteer Fire Department in Crawford County.