Pennsylvania County First Responders Receive Coronavirus Funds

 
(TNS) - U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, announced on Tuesday that six first responder agencies in the region will receive funds awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant — COVID-19 Supplemental Program.
 
Five Luzerne County agencies were on the list, with a sixth agency in Lackawanna County. Altogether, a total of $140,575.47 was awarded for personal protective equipment and essential supplies.
 
The Greater Pittston Ambulance Rescue Service Association was awarded $84,909.09, the highest total awarded to any of the Luzerne County agencies.
 
Other agencies that were awarded funds include the City of Hazleton ($40,230.91), Hughestown Hose Co. #1 ($2,857.14), Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company ($2,854.29) and the West Hazleton Fire Hose Hook and Ladder Company #1 ($2,495.62).
 
The Lackawanna County agency that received funds is the William Walker Hose Company in Jermyn, with $7,228.42 awarded.
 
“In Congress, we recognize our responsibility to help our first responders get the basic equipment they need to stay safe,” said Cartwright, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.
 
The $140,575.47 is part of a larger total of $100 million being awarded by FEMA to fire companies across the country in an attempt to respond to and prepare for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
 
“This funding through the CARES Act supports our emergency responders and enables them to continue answering their communities’ calls during the coronavirus pandemic,” Cartwright said.
 
More award announcements are expected to continue into August.
 
 
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