Kanjorski Announces $68,130 for Hazleton Fire Company

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Hazleton Fire Company received a $68,130 grant for an exhaust removal system for its 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 and to their families ensure that they have equipment that protects them," Congressman Kanjorski said. "In order to provide essential emergency services, our firefighters need the most current equipment and training programs."

Deputy Chief Donald Leshko said the department would not have been able to purchase the system without the FIRE grant program.

"This is a  big plus for us to be able to do this. It's a great benefit," Deputy Chief Leshko said.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $8.9 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 84 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.

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