Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Delaware Water Gap Fire Department received a $102,624 grant for up to 20 new airpacks. The money is part of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Kanjorski has long been a vocal advocate in ensuring that firefighters and other emergency responders are well-equipped.

"Firefighters are heroes who play a critical role in protecting our communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. I am pleased that the federal government provides money for the men and women who are in the field saving lives while risking their own. We owe it to them and to their families to do all we can to help provide equipment that protects them," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Delaware Water Gap Fire Department Vice President Howard Ike, who is the former Fire Chief, commented on the importance of the FIRE grant program. "We definitely could not have gotten these without the grant. Our airpacks are about 15 years old, and they are our lifeline. There are safety features on the new ones that will help us a lot," he said.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $9 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 87 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.