February 8, 2005

Pittsburgh, PA – February 8, 2005 – U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (PA-14) presented a check for $59,360 to the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department last night. The check represents funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This money will be used to purchase 10 new sets of turn-out gear, some new equipment for firefighting foam, a new hose that has fittings compatible with the equipment used by the other local fire companies the Ingram VFD cooperates with (“mutual aid companies”).

“This new equipment will keep the members of the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department safe – and allow them to respond more efficiently to emergencies in the communities they serve,” Congressman Doyle said in presenting the check to the fire department officers and Ingram’s Mayor Chuck Mitch (on the far left in the photo below) and Borough Council President Sam Nucci (on the far right in the photo below). “I’ve worked long and hard to secure more federal funding for our local first responders.”

“We’re very thankful for this grant,” said Ingram Mayor Chuck Mitch. “Those fellows are volunteers, and they all work hard, and they really need that new equipment.”

The Assistance for Firefighters Grant Award program was established in 2001. Under this program, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness make grants to local fire departments so that they can increase their effectiveness at fighting fires, improve firefighters’ health and safety, and establish or expand fire prevention and safety programs. Information on the program, including a list of frequently asked questions, is available on the Office of Domestic Preparedness website (www.firegrantsupport.com) and the U.S. Fire Administration website (www.usfa.fema.gov).

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