FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Gretchen M. Wintermantel
Sept. 5, 2007                        202-225-6511                                                                     

Kanjorski Announces $480,529 for Three First Responder Organizations
in 11^th Congressional District

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Newport Township Consolidated Fire Co., White Haven Rescue Unit, Inc. and Excelsior Hose Co. #1 have received a combined total of $480,529 in federal funding through the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Newport Township Consolidated Fire Co. in Luzerne County received $261,250 for a new vehicle. White Haven Rescue Unit, Inc., also in Luzerne County, was awarded $142, 500 for a new vehicle. Excelsior Hose Co. #1 in Olyphant received $76,779, marking the second FIRE grant for this Lackawanna County fire company.  

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

"Our emergency responders are heroes who play a critical role in protecting our communities throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. We owe it to them to do all we can to help supply equipment that protects them," Congressman Kanjorski said.  "In order to provide essential emergency services, our firefighters need the most current equipment and training programs."

Congressman Kanjorski was among 286 cosponsors of the FIRE Act of 2000. More than $12.9 million in federal grants has been awarded to fire companies in the 11^th congressional district since the FIRE grant program began. To date, 107 emergency responder organizations in the 11^th congressional district have benefited from this federal grant program.

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