Kanjorski Announces $61,245 for Bear Creek Township Volunteer Hose Company
Funding is the Second Grant for the Hose Company This Year

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Bear Creek Township Volunteer Hose Company has been awarded $61,245 for firefighter safety, specifically airpacks that are nearly 20 years old and fire protective gear.

"This money lets our firefighters meet the challenges of today with the highest safety standards possible," Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Keats said. "Without the help of FIRE grants and Congressman Kanjorski, small towns like ours would be forgotten about."

"The firefighters in Northeastern Pennsylvania and all across the nation are our first responders. As the third anniversary of September 11 approaches, it is a somber reminder that our emergency responders need to have the most current equipment and training at their disposal. As demonstrated by the horrific events of that day, firefighters are first on the scene of any catastrophic event, from a terrorist attack to a structure fire. We must protect the men and women who protect us," Congressman Kanjorski said.

The money is part of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This grant marks the second awarded to Bear Creek, which last week received a $207,635 FIRE grant for a new fire truck. The Department of Homeland Security announced that it had money left from Fiscal Year 2003 and additional grants will be announced throughout the month. 

To date, 61 fire companies in the 11^th District have received FIRE grants.

President Bush's proposed 2005 budget would cut Homeland Security Department funding for firefighters. The President's first two budgets did not include FIRE grant funding, but Congress stepped up to ensure that the nation's firefighters were not shortchanged.

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