MEUSER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL GRANT FOR BERKS COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS

POTTSVILLE, Pa. – Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded a $331,595.24 grant to the Mt. Pleasant Fire Company in Bernville through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The grant will also benefit two other fire departments serving Berks County residents.

With this AFG grant, the Mt. Pleasant Fire Company will purchase self-contained breathing equipment to be shared with Robesonia Fire Department and Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company. This tool provides the greatest amount of airway protection from toxic gas and harmful particulates for firefighters and will allow all three departments to improve safety and effectiveness.

About the AFG Program

The purpose of the AFG Program is to award grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Using a competitive process that is informed by fire service subject-matter experts, grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG Program.