WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Bill Shuster announced on Thursday that Morrell Volunteer Fire Company in Dunbar has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $65,028. 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 excellent news for the brave men and women of the Morrell Volunteer Fire Company,” said Congressman Shuster. “This grant funding will allow them to replace their outdated airpacks that reached their 15 years life cycle with new state-of-the-art equipment.”

The AFG 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.  

"For a department like ours a project of this size would not be possible without the AFG program,” said Morrell Fire Chief Ross Rock. “Also we would like to thank Congressman Shuster for his support along with everyone in the community that continues to support us."

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 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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