WASHINGTON– On Monday, Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) announced that the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) in the amount of $57,950. The funds will be used to acquire new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), a form of protective equipment that allows the department’s firefighters to work in smoke-filled areas.  

“The award of this grant comes as great news not only for the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, but for the surrounding community as a whole,” said Congressman Shuster. “The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department has a storied history in this area, valiantly answering the call of duty on September 11th, 2001. We certainly owe these everyday heroes a debt of gratitude for their continued bravery and service. The firefighters of Shanksville Station 627 should have access to the best tools available, and I was honored to work on their behalf in supporting their application for grant funding.”

Since 2001 the Assistance to Firefighters Grant has helped meet the needs of firefighters, emergency responders, and emergency medical organizations. Funds provided by the AFG program are used to purchase a variety of much-needed supplies, including new vehicles, protective gear, staff training, and other resources that local departments need to protect the public.

“Our Department is glad to receive the grant award from AFG. This funding will be used to replace our SCBA air packs, which are at the end of their service life,” said Shanksville Fire Chief Brad Shober. “By replacing our SCBA we will be able to increase the safety of our firefighters and in turn increase the safety of our residents. This funding will also help our Department be compliant with NFPA standards. Without grant funding this would have been a major financial burden on the Department.”

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. SCBAs 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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