Kanjorski Announces $57,045 for Mountaintop Hose Company #1
More Than $6 Million in Federal Grants Awarded to Fire Companies in the 11^th Congressional District Since the FIRE Grant Program Began

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced the Mountaintop Hose Company #1 received $57,045 for a new compressor that refills breathing equipment, replacing a 30-year-old device.

The money is part of the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) grant program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"Grants like these are essential to smaller fire companies like Mountaintop Hose Company #1. We must provide our first responders with funding for the best equipment possible, and I am pleased that the federal government recognizes this need. These men and women are the people who risk their lives for others and I believe the government must protect them," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Fire Company President Dave Hourigan said part of the money will also be used to purchase extended-time air bottles and other breathing equipment that ensures the safety of Mountaintop's firefighters.

Mr. Hourigan said the company would not have been able to purchase the gear without this grant. "It's not in the budget with all of the other money we have to spend to maintain operations," Mr. Hourigan said.

To date, 63 fire companies in the 11^th District have received FIRE grants.

President Bush's proposed 2005 budget would cut Homeland Security Department funding for firefighters. The President's first two budgets did not include FIRE grant funding, but Congress stepped up to ensure that the nation's firefighters were not shortchanged.

"Cutting funding for FIRE grants is unacceptable. These federal dollars are vital to the continuation of our fire stations and fire companies in Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as across the nation," Congressman Kanjorski said.

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