Kanjorski Champions Grant for New, Updated Fire Truck

PITTSTON, P.A. - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that the Pittston Fire Department in Luzerne County received a fire truck from a $535,307 grant through the Fiscal Year 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration.  The Pittston Fire Department used the funding to replace a more than 30 year old fire truck.  The new truck, which finished being built in the past few weeks, is now in use by the Pittston Fire Department.  The new 100 foot truck contains updated equipment and an apparatus for an aerial rescue. 

"We certainly appreciate Congressman Kanjorski's efforts on our behalf," said Pittston Mayor Joe Keating, and former Pittston Fire Chief.  "The funding is helping to replace a more than 30-year old fire truck.  This new truck is a great benefit to the City of Pittston."

Congressman Kanjorski stated, "I am pleased that such a worthy group of firefighters received this generous grant.  The firefighters at the Pittston Fire Department continuously risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of the people in Pittston.  With this upgraded fire truck, the firefighters can help to ensure higher standards of public and firefighters safety." 

The purpose of the AFG program is to award grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations.  These grants provide first responders with the means to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as first responders.  Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide approximately $490 million throughout the country.

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