FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
August 24, 2005                                                                          202.225.6511

Kanjorski Announces $21,242 for Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department received a $21,242 grant for bunker gear, including helmets, gloves, pants and boots for its firefighters.

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 safety equipment for the 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.

Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief John Yuknavich said the grant comes at a perfect time because the company needs to replace its old gear.

"This helps us 1,000 percent," Chief Yuknavich said.

The latest FIRE grant is the third for Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department, which received a $45,864 grant for airpacks in 2004 and a $126,000 grant for a new vehicle in 2003.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. Nearly $8.6 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 80 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.

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