WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) met with members of the Connellsville Township Volunteer Fire Department  Wednesday morning to announce that that they have been awarded a Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $61,750. 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.

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with a few of the brave firefighters of Connellsville Township to announce to them this great news,” said Congressman Shuster. “These men and women volunteer to protect our communities, and I’ll continue to doing everything I can to ensure that they have the equipment they need to stay safe and serve the people of Fayette County.”

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. 

“The cost of operating a volunteer fire department increases yearly, but with the Federal Assistance Grant and the help of Congressman Shuster's office we are able to upgrade equipment ensuring the safety of our firefighters while continuing to serve the residents of Connellsville Township" said Fire Chief Joe Brooks. “The grant will be used to purchase 12 new MSA self-contained breathing apparatus with spare bottles.” 

The Connellsville Township VFD has been serving their community since 1940. The department today consists of 37 active firefighters, four engine/pumper trucks, one brush chuck for wildfires, and two all-terrain vehicles for wilderness rescues.
 

###