WASHINGTON - Congressman Lou Barletta announced that local fire departments in Freeland, Dallas and Lake Harmony have received federal grants to help with the purchase of equipment.

The Freeland Fire Department will receive a grant of $255,048, while the Kunkle Fire Department in Dallas will receive $64,286, both to be used for personal protection equipment, such as helmets, eye protection, and turnout gear.The Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Department will receive $42,858 for the purchase of a compressor.The grants were awarded under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency within the Department of Homeland Security."Local fire departments contribute a great deal to the health and vitality of our communities, but very often have difficulty meeting their budget demands," Barletta said."Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government, so I am proud to support grant programs that help fire departments 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.