WASHINGTON– U.S. Representative Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) announced that the Logan Township United Fire Department has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $98,800. The funds will be used to acquire new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), a form of protective equipment that allows the department’s firefighters to work in smoke-filled areas.

“This is great news for the Logan Township United Fire Department,” said Shuster. “This grant will allow the brave men and women in United to acquire new self-contained breathing apparatus, which ensures that they are better equipped to fight fires when called into action.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program helps meet the needs of firefighters, emergency responders, and emergency medical organizations. Funds provided by the AFG program are used to purchase supplies, including new vehicles, protective gear, staff training, and other resources that local departments need to protect the public.

“The United leadership team and our frontline firefighters are thankful to Congressman Shuster for his continued efforts to support the AFG Program,” said Deputy Chief Rusty Shoenfelt. “This grant award allows United to purchase state–of-the-art breathing apparatus, which will replace aged equipment at United’s Kittanning Trail firehouse.  This new SCBA will help to protect our dedicated volunteers from the risks we face in the fire service for years to come.”

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus units allow first responders, firefighters, and rescue workers to enter areas where they would otherwise be unable to breathe. They can function even when exposed to extreme heat, and let firefighters continue battling a fire even in the worst conditions. SCBA must be certified by the National Fire Protection Association, which provides guidelines governing certification, labeling, design requirements, performance requirements, and test methods.

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