WEATHERLY - Congressman Lou Barletta announced that the Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Volunteer Fire Company in Weatherly will receive a federal grant of $200,000 for the purchase of a new vehicle. The grant was awarded under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

"As a former mayor of my hometown of Hazleton, I know firsthand how difficult it is for fire departments to meet their needs for equipment and vehicles," Barletta said. "Too often, local resources are so scarce that you will often see firefighters soliciting donations with boots at intersections. I am proud to support these types of grants to help them with the equipment they need to keep our residents and businesses safe."The AFG program provides direct support to fire departments, emergency medical services organizations, and state fire training academies to fund necessary equipment and training.