The grants were awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant aprogram.
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that he has secured $613,363.63 for Edgely Fire Company, $302,347.27 for Quakertown Fire Department, and $48,393.33 for Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
Fitzpatrick also recently secured $130,000+ for Bensalem Township Fire Rescue, $160,000+ for Sellersville Fire Department, $90,000+ for Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad, $43,000+ for Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS, and $251,000+ for Richlandtown Fire Company through federal funding. With these latest grants, Rep. Fitzpatrick has now delivered over $1.6 million in crucial FY23 funding to local fire departments, EMS, and rescue squads.
Since 2001, the AFG Program has awarded approximately $8.4 billion in grant funding to provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.
With the FY23 funding:
Edgely Fire Company is now equipped to purchase 173 sets of cutting-edge structural firefighting gear, fully outfitting their heroic firefighters and those of their regional partners across four municipalities—Bristol Township, Bristol Borough, Falls Township, and Morrisville Borough—from head to toe. This critical upgrade strengthens their ability to protect and serve our community with greater precision and effectiveness.
The Quakertown Fire Department will be able to replace their aging essential equipment, including hoses, nozzles, and appliances—vital tools not only for extinguishing fires but also for safeguarding firefighters and rescuing occupants from burning buildings.
Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company will be afforded the opportunity to acquire state-of-the-art gas monitors and thermal imaging cameras, indispensable tools for navigating treacherous, toxic environments and ensuring that our firefighters remain protected while risking their lives to keep our community safe.
“We are incredibly thankful for the $631,000 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which will provide much-needed new structural gear for our dedicated volunteer firefighters. This grant, awarded to multiple fire departments from several municipalities, not only ensures the safety of our teams but also opens up funding for other important projects. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Fitzpatrick for his unwavering support in securing this vital funding and continued support to the local fire departments,” said Brian Cirard, chief of Edgely Fire Company.
“The Quakertown Fire Department was recently awarded federal funding as part of the 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grants for the desperately needed replacement of aging firefighting equipment. The equipment that will be replaced using this funding includes hose, nozzles, and appliances. This is such critical equipment as it is used not only to extinguish fire, but also to protect firefighters and occupants of burning buildings. This was a regional project which included Quakertown Fire Department, Central Berks Fire Co No 1, Keystone Fire Co 1 of Shillington PA, and Volunteer Fire Company of Womelsdorf, PA. The Quakertown Fire Department and our regional partners cannot overstate our gratitude to FEMA, as well as our representation from Brian Fitzpatrick that makes these grants possible,” said Kris Lehman, vice president of Quakertown Fire Department.
“The officers and members of the Plumsteadville Fire Company are extremely excited to receive this grant as it provides us necessary equipment without the financial burden that normally accompanies it,” said Marc Longo, chief of Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Department.
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, one of my top priorities is fighting for the safety of the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our community. This critical funding for the hero firefighters of the Edgely, Quakertown, and Plumsteadville Fire Departments is more than an investment in new equipment and gear; it is an investment in their ability to confront danger with unwavering resolve, ensuring they can safely and successfully face even the fiercest of challenges,” said Fitzpatrick.
About Quakertown Fire Department:
The Quakertown Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization consisting of two stations—Quakertown Fire Co.#1 and West End Fire Co. Together, they provide fire protection and emergency response to Quakertown Borough, much of Richland Township, and a portion of East Rockhill Township, while promoting fire prevention through community involvement and partnering with local schools and day care centers. Their long-standing tradition of bravery and community involvement continues to be a hallmark of its operation.
About Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company:
Since 1930, the all-volunteer Plumsteadville Fire Company has been serving and safeguarding Plumstead Township and its surrounding areas. Starting as a small group of dedicated volunteers, the company has grown to provide comprehensive fire, rescue, and emergency services. Their commitment to community safety and emergency response continues to be a defining feature of their longstanding service.
About Edgely Fire Company:
For over 100 years, Edgely Fire Co, has served the Bristol Township community. Starting with a small team of dedicated volunteers, the company has grown into a vital emergency service provider, responding to countless fire, rescue, and medical emergencies with professionalism and bravery, while maintaining a strong tradition of community engagement and excellence.
