Much–Needed Funding Will Equip and Protect Firefighters, Protect Levittown Community

(Levittown, PA) – Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) joined first responders from the Edgely Fire Department to announce much-needed federal grant money to better protect families in Bucks County. The grants, totaling $101,500, will provide assistance and equipment to firefighters and help the Edgely Fire Company fully equip and protect their firefighters to better serve the community. The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program, which helps fire companies purchase critical equipment to keep firefighters safe. Since 2007, Rep. Murphy has helped secure over $2.6 million dollars from the AFG program for Fire and EMS organizations throughout Bucks County.

“The brave first responders at the Edgely Fire Department protect our families and our community, and I’m proud to fight for funding that provides them with the equipment and resources they need to stay safe while they’re on the job,” said Rep. Murphy.

“Patrick Murphy has been a champion for first responders in our community, and this latest grant is another example of his commitment to making sure we have the resources we need to do our jobs,” said Chief Bill Davis.

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

For Immediate Release, February 12, 2010
Contact: Kate Hansen, (202) 225-4276