Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster announced today a grant for the Patton Area Ambulance Association in Cambria County.  The money will go toward a new ambulance for the area because the two in use are about ten years old.  This is the first year this type of funding has been available to all emergency preparedness officials. 

“Right now we have two vehicles, but one is a 1995 and the other is a 1993 and they both have more than 150,000 miles,” said Stephen Bakajza of the Patton Area Ambulance Association.  “They are both well maintained, but this funding is great news for the area and its emergency services.” 

Patton Ambulance will receive $98,800 for vehicle acquisition from the Department of Homeland Security.  The program is titled Assistance to Firefighters, but for the first time it has been opened up to other emergency officials including ambulance services. 

“The program is changing to meet the demands of the 21^st Century and it is a good example of progress.  We know that our firefighters can be the first line of defense against a terrorist attack, but it is not limited to them,” said Shuster, chairman of the Emergency Management Subcommittee in Congress.  “Our EMS officials should have access to similar funding because they have to be ready to respond.” 

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awards one-year grants directly to fire departments and emergency officials to support the services they deliver.