Ridgway FD Gets Grant for Truck

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Howard, announced today that the Ridgway Fire Department is recipient of $190,000 in federal dollars thought the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase a new tanker truck. AFG is administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, otherwise known as FEMA.

“As a volunteer firefighter, I know firsthand the budgetary challenges facing companies throughout rural Pennsylvania,” said Thompson, who is a past president of Howard Volunteer Fire Company. “This grant will go a long way in providing state of the art equipment needed to protect Ridgway and I am glad the Department of Homeland Security saw the merits in this request. First responders put their lives on the line without hesitation, so it is only fitting that these brave men and women have the necessary equipment to get the job done in a safe manner.”

The Ridgway Fire Department will utilize these funds to purchase a new tanker truck which will replace a tanker that was retired in November of 2008, due to safety concerns. Along with the $190,000 provided by the Federal government, the Ridgway Fire Department will have to raise $10,000 in order to procure the new truck.

“There is no question that these funds will be well utilized,” said Dave Matson, Deputy Chief of the Ridgway Fire Department. “In fact, the tanker we purchase will be the first wholly owned tanker in the history of the department. This is definitely exciting for the Department and we thank the Congressman for his support.”

The AFG program is designed to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and emergency medical services organizations across America. AFG helps firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

“The Assistance to Firefighter Program is truly an effective program. I encourage every department across the Fifth District to apply for these grants as needed, and to contact my district office for assistance,” concluded Thompson.

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