Hughestown Hose Company #1 receives $65,054 in Latest Round of Grants

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Hughestown Hose Company #1 received $65,054 through the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The money will go toward the purchase of new bunker gear and pagers. This marks the second grant for the company, which received $50,661 in 2005 for airpacks.

Additionally, Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Company in Weston was recently awarded $50,825; Avoca Hose Company No. 1 received $21,969; and Freeland North Side Community Ambulance was awarded $26,600.

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

"Local fire departments find it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, and these federal grants play a vital role in helping our firefighters upgrade their equipment and provide adequate training. Our first responders face dangers each day that we cannot even imagine, and we owe it to them and their families to make sure they have the protection they need," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Hughestown Hose Company Fire Chief Jamie Merlino expressed his gratitude to Congressman Kanjorski's support.

"Small-town fire departments are very fortunate to have programs like this, because without them, we don't know where we would be today," Chief Merlino said. "It's getting harder and harder for us to make it."

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $11 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 101 fire companies in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.