(Berwick, PA) –Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $122,529.00 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Eagle Hose Company #2 of Berwick, PA.

Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide approximately $560 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.

AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation’s firefighters," said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. "From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the AFG program has helped improve response capabilities and saved lives and property in communities throughout the United States."

Since 2002, AFG has provided over $3.6 billion in grants to fire departments and first responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, vehicles and fire prevention activities. AFG is administered cooperatively by two FEMA components: the Grants Program Directorate and the United States Fire Administration.

The full list of FY 2008 AFG recipients and other information is posted on the AFG website (www.firegrantsupport.com).