U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) recently secured federal funding priorities totaling nearly $134,000 that will support two different EMS and rescue squads in Pennsylvania.
“It has been my mission to ensure that the hero first responders in our community have the resources and support they need to protect our community with the highest level of safety and effectiveness,” said Fitzpatrick, a certified EMT and co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.
The congressman on Wednesday said he has secured $90,416.36 for the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and $43,485.71 for the Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“Day in and day out, the incredible men and women of the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS put their lives on the lines to selflessly serve and safeguard our community,” Fitzpatrick said. “Securing this vital funding represents not just an investment in new protective gear and equipment, but an investment in their safety and the resilience of our entire community.”
With the new funds, the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad plans to replace outdated bunker gear and acquire new personal protective equipment.
“This grant will enable our EMTs and paramedics to acquire updated gear, helping to ensure they are equipped with the best tools available to protect themselves as they assist our families and communities,” said Jason Dowd, Chief of Operations for the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad. “Our team can now focus on their vital work with the confidence that they are adequately protected.”
The Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS will buy new helmets and protective gear with their new funding.
“This vital funding allows us to provide our staff with the proper and necessary protection to safely and successfully respond to critical incidents within our community,” said Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS Chief Mike Tuttle. “We thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued support of our department and for helping us obtain this critical funding.”
In July, Fitzpatrick also secured FEMA AFG funds for two Pennsylvania fire departments: more than $130,000 for the Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department and almost $164,000 for the Sellersville Fire Department.
“I will always fight for our first responders and look forward to continuing working alongside them to develop solutions that provide the support they need to best serve our community,” the lawmaker said.