Kanjorski Announces $26,870 for Edwardsville Fire Department  

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Edwardsville Fire Department received a $26,870 federal grant for a diesel filter system that will eliminate exhaust fumes emitted from the trucks. The fire station is connected to the Borough Building, which houses local government offices and public meeting rooms, as well as Edwardsville emergency personnel.

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.

 "Grants like these are essential to fire companies like Edwardsville, which rely upon fundraising and donations for equipment and operations. We must provide our emergency personnel with the best equipment possible, and I am pleased that the federal government recognizes this. These men and women risk their lives for others and the government must protect them," Congressman Kanjorski said. "With the increased threat of terrorism in our world today, it is our local firefighters and police officers who will be the first responders."

Edwardsville Fire Chief Ray King called the grant "good news" because the Borough itself was unable to afford the system. "This will eliminate diesel fumes, which are a proven cancer-causer, from the air when our trucks back up or pull in the front area of the station. With the fire station next to the Borough Building, which is a public building, I felt we needed it," Chief King said.

The Edwardsville Fire Department was previously awarded a FIRE grant for $77,475 in February 2005 and one for $405,000 in 2003.

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $8.5 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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