Kanjorski Announces $152,000 for Tillbury Volunteer Hose Company

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Tillbury Volunteer Hose Company in Plymouth Township received a grant for $152,000 for a new mini-pumper.

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."

Tillbury Chief John Rinehimer said the "quick-attack" mini-pumper will cut about 10 minutes off the company's response time to more rural and mountainous areas in Plymouth Township. The four-wheel drive on the mini-pumper will also help during inclement weather. 

Chief Rinehimer credited the company's grant committee, which worked diligently to put the application together properly. "I'd also like to express great gratitude to Congressman Kanjorski for any assistance he provided in us getting this grant," Chief Rinehimer.

Because vehicles are so expensive, the company would have had to take out a loan to purchase the mini-pumper, he added. "We can't raise that kind of money with bingo nights and dances and our haunted house," Chief Rinehimer said.

Chief Rinehimer said the "quick-attack" mini-pumper will cut about 10 minutes off the company's response time to more rural and mountainous areas in Plymouth Township. The four-wheel drive on the mini-pumper will also help during inclement weather. 

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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