Shuster joined members of the fire companies in separate ceremonies to announce the grants today.  The Gallitzin Fire Company has received a Department of Homeland Security grant in the amount of $64,838. The Loretto Community Volunteer Fire Company has received a Department of Homeland Security grant in the amount of $31,183.

“The announcement of this grant is great news for the people of Cambria County,” Shuster said.  “These grants are a perfect example of how taxpayer dollars should be spent.  They are competitive, need based and reviewed by fellow fire fighters.  I am encouraged that so many of our local fire companies are taking advantage of this important grant program.”   

“This grant is going to allow us to improve our operations and strengthen the Penn-Cambria Alliance,” Said Herb Nagle with the Gallitzin Fire Company.  “We will use this money in three important ways; to buy 10 sets of new turnout gear for our members; get our firefighters certified through training; and buy self contained breathing apparatuses that will keep our members safe in toxic environments.  These are improvements that could not have happened without this grant.”

“It has been great relief to the Loretto Community Fire Company to receive this Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant,” said Ed Phister, President of the Fire Company. “With this grant our department will be able to purchase much needed hose and ground monitor equipment to quickly and safely complete fire suppression.”

“The entire Fire Company would like to take this opportunity to thank Congressman Shuster for his strong support and looks forward to working with him and his staff in the future,” Phister added.

“We show our support to our local fire departments through fundraisers and dinners.  While successful, these events can only go so far to provide the equipment and training necessary to keep our firefighters safe in their work.  That’s why this grant program is so important,” Shuster said.  “Without this federal grant program, these two fire companies and hundreds like them across the state would go without important equipment and opportunities to enhance their services to the community,” Shuster added.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters and the services they deliver. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP) administers the program, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.