U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced the Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1 with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $42,858. The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The funds will allow the fire company to purchase a Cascade Compressor Fill Station to refill Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus units following use. The units are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others and provide firefighters breathable air."I am glad the Nesquehoning Hose Company will be able to purchase this system," said Cartwright. "This grant will help ensure the fire department and emergency medical personnel have the resources they need to protect themselves and the community."Nesquehoning Hose Company Fire Chief John McArdle was also grateful for the grant."We appreciate the efforts of our peers who evaluated our grant application and recognizing the need for modern equipment for our volunteers," he said. "The award and will certainly put the Compressor Fill Station to great use not only for our community but the surrounding ones."The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.