January 13, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today announced a grant for the Beaver Falls Fire Department (BFFD) totaling $131,884. The grant, the third to be awarded to a fire department in the Fourth Congressional District during the past month, is being awarded under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was awarded more than $2 million in funding during this latest round of awards. In total, Pennsylvania has received more than $3.2 million in AFG awards for Fiscal Year 2011.

"This award will allow the BFFD to purchase critical equipment to protect firefighters and better coordinate with first responders from our region," Congressman Altmire said. "As part of the Pennsylvania Region 13 Task Force, the BFFD will be able to use these funds to purchase updated equipment for the Water Rescue Team. I congratulate them on receiving this award and will continue to work to ensure that all of western Pennsylvania's emergency responders have the necessary equipment to fulfill their duties."

The BFFD will use these new funds to purchase 25 complete sets of fire gear for Beaver Falls firefighters, as well as new equipment for the Water Rescue Team, including two new boats, a trailer, eight sets of dive equipment, and three dry suits. The Water Rescue Team responds to emergencies throughout Beaver and Lawrence Counties. It is also part of an intergovernmental task force comprised of 13 counties in western Pennsylvania, plus the City of Pittsburgh, which assists local responders in addressing significant hazards or terrorist events in our area.

The AFG program helps firefighters and first responders purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. For more information on the AFG program, please click here.