Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that three Columbia County fire companies have been awarded fire grants through the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Sugarloaf Fire Company Inc. received $110,675 for a new water tanker. In addition, the Buckhorn Community Volunteer Fire Company #1 was awarded $32,942 for an air cascade system to fill airpacks. The Millville Community Fire Company also received $86,954.

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.

Sugarloaf Fire Company Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Buss said the new tanker will replace one that is more than 25 year old and constructed of steel that has begun to crack.

"Sugarloaf is quite rural, and truck like this is definitely our first line of defense when protecting our residents," Deputy Chief Buss said. "We don't have a lot of fire hydrants out here so this is a very valuable piece of equipment."

Buckhorn Lieutenant Brent Traugh said that the fire company never had extra funding for an air cascade system before, and has had to rely on other companies when filling air packs.  "We could never afford this on our own budget. It definitely promotes safety for our firefighters because we have the ability to fill the tanks at our own station," Lieutenant Traugh said.

In 2006, President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress cut funding for our first responders by 32 percent compared to 2003 funding levels.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. Nearly $9.5 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 92 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.