WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded a nearly $365,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Allentown Fire Department. Sen. Toomey wrote a letter of support on behalf of the organization's grant application in November 2013.
"I'm pleased to announce this federal grant for the Allentown Fire Department," said Sen. Toomey. "Firefighters embody public service in their dedicated work to ensure the safety of others. As a resident of the Lehigh Valley, I know how dedicated the Allentown Fire Department is to serving the good people of Allentown. I am confident that these funds will aid in efforts to protect firefighters while also enhancing the overall capabilities of the Department.
The Allentown Fire Department responds to an average of 22,000 fire, rescue, and emergency medical calls for service annually. To improve the overall safety of its firefighters, the Allentown Fire Department will use the AFG funds to replace out-of-date self-contained breathing apparatuses, which are used to protect the respiratory system of firefighters when combating a fire.
"The Allentown Fire Department is grateful to receive this Assistance to Firefighters Grant. These funds will play an essential role in ensuring that the Department is able to purchase upgraded self-contained breathing apparatuses, which provide breathable air to firefighters while they work to contain a blaze. We thank Sen. Toomey for his support of the Allentown Fire Department and for his assistance during the AFG process," said Chief Robert Kudlak Jr., Allentown Fire Department.
