January 25: Congresswoman Kaptur Announces Federal Grants to Florence and Carlisle Township Fire Departments

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur today announced three federal fire assistance awards: $308,750 to the Florence Township Fire Department for acquisition of a vehicle and two awards to the Carlisle Township Fire Department totaling $350,493 for vehicle acquisition, operations and safety. Funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Eligible uses for the grant money are training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

"Congratulations to the Carlisle Township and the Florence Township Fire Departments for winning these federal awards," said Kaptur. "These communities and their neighbors depend on the departments to protect lives and property every day of the year."

The AFG program funds fire departments and emergency medical service operations throughout the country to enhance response capabilities and support first responder activities. The program has provided 7 rounds of grants to first-responder organizations since 2001.

Last year, during the budget battles in the U.S. House of Representatives, Kaptur joined a bipartisan effort to restore funding to the AFG grant program and to support local firefighters and emergency personnel. She voted in favor of an amendment by Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) to restore $510 million for fire grants, which was adopted.