FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Nov. 9, 2005                                                      202.225.6511

Kanjorski Announces $148,000 for Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department received a $148,000 federal grant for a diesel emission control system and an emergency generator system for both the fire department headquarters and the South Station.

The money is part of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Kanjorski has long been a vocal advocate in ensuring firefighters and other emergency responders are well-equipped.

"Firefighters are heroes who play a critical role in protecting our communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. I am pleased that the federal government is providing the money for these men and women who are out there saving lives while risking their own. We owe it to them to do all we can to help provide equipment that protects them," Congressman Kanjorski said. "In order to provide essential emergency services, our firefighters need the most current equipment and training programs."

"The City of Wilkes-Barre is very thankful to Congressman Kanjorski for his efforts in getting this grant for us. This is just another example of the continued cooperation between the Congressman and the city in helping to protect our citizens and our firefighters," said Mayor Tom Leighton.

Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jacob Lisman said the diesel extraction system is a health and safety issue because studies have shown that it is extremely hazardous for firefighters to breathe in diesel fumes. Chief Lisman also added that the two generators will allow the fire stations to remain fully operational even in the event of a power outage.

This latest grant marks the third for Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, which previously received a $144,000 grant in 2004 and a $450,000 grant in 2003.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $9.2 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 85 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.

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