PALMERTON, PA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Susan Wild joined Palmerton Fire Chief Jason Behler, members of the Palmerton Borough Council, and fire department members and community leaders to announce a $345,000 investment in the Palmerton Fire Department. This investment comes in the form of a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant, administered by FEMA.
“I am delighted that the Palmerton Fire Department is receiving this crucial investment that will support their recruitment and retention practices,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “I’m proud to have supported their application for this funding, and I will always work to get the necessary resources to our heroic firefighters who put their lives on the line every day.”
Palmerton Fire Department applied numerous times for this recruitment and retention grant funding without letters of support. Rep. Wild supported the department in finally securing this $345,000 SAFER Grant, sending a letter of support for their application earlier this year.
Palmerton Fire Department also recently received a $71,000 investment to install an exhaust removal system in department engine bays to reduce exposure to carcinogens. Rep. Wild worked to help deliver this funding as well, writing in support of Palmerton Fire Department’s application for this grant. This exhaust removal system will be part of the PFD CARE (Carcinogen Awareness and Reduction to Exposure) initiative taking measures to reduce carcinogen exposure and reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters. Hazardous vehicle exhaust emissions are a health risk for firefighters, and a new exhaust removal system will capture these hazardous particulates – a key step in protecting firefighters’ health.
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