LANGHORNE, PA—Today, August 31st, 2020, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) announced that the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad, Nottingham Fire Company, and the Newportville Fire Company have received grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with recruitment, retention, personal protective equipment (PPE), and purchasing of the necessary tools to respond to emergency calls.
“At the onset of COVID-19, our emergency services and medical professionals were not equipped with the necessary PPE to shield themselves from the virus. This funding made available through the CARES Act is critical to the success of our hero first responders in keeping themselves safe while on duty,” said Fitzpatrick. “Whether it is the AFG-S or SAFER grant, these funds will go a long way in protecting our first responders while helping to maintain staff levels so that our communities can all be reassured that when you dial 9-1-1, you will be safe. While we have yet to see the full use of the CARES Act funding, I am glad to see the CARES Act providing crucial funding to our emergency services.”
Nottingham Fire Company, and the Newportville Fire Company were awarded $209,600 and $200,000 respectively through the 2019 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. The mission of the SAFER grant program is to enhance the ability of recipients to attain and maintain 24-hour fire department staffing and to better assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. This year, FEMA will be awarding $350 million to fire departments across America to assist fire departments and volunteer support groups to expand the number of firefighters available to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public.
Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad was awarded $13,289 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant – COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S). The purpose of AFG-S is to award grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies to immediately enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel through the purchase of PPE and essential supplies related to the COVID-19 response. The AFG-S objectives are to provide resources that equip personnel to respond to the pandemic and support community resilience. Grants were awarded using a competitive process for applicants whose requests best address the priorities of AFG-S. The funding source for this grant is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Earlier this month, Fitzpatrick announced FEMA grants for Bristol Third District Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Chalfont Fire Company No. 1, and Union Fire Company, Station 37 of Bensalem.