Deluzio Announces $2.8 Million in Federal Grants to Support 14 Western PA Fire Departments

December 3, 2025 Press Release CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that fourteen Western Pennsylvania fire departments are receiving more than $2.8 million in federal grant funding to support their public safety missions. This followed outreach from Congressman Deluzio’s office to bring home grants like these back to Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. The funding was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) via the Department of Homeland Security’s Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. The majority of the funding will help fourteen Western PA fire departments purchase critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources through the AFG program. Just under $1 million will help one department with firefighter recruitment and retention through the SAFER program. A total of $2,831,964.22 in federal funding is coming to fire departments in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. "I am thrilled to announce that fourteen Western Pennsylvania fire departments are getting federal dollars to help them do the hard work to keep all of us safe,” said Congressman Deluzio . “These grants will help our local fire departments buy gear and equipment and better recruit and keep more firefighters on the force. Our first responders show up for all of us in our times of need—I will always have their back and push to make sure our federal government does, too. I encourage other fire departments in Western Pennsylvania to apply for this funding—my office stands ready to support your applications as best we can.” “We would like to thank Congressman Deluzio and his staff for the assistance they provided in us obtaining our FEMA AFG grant,” said Jim Essek, President of the Harmony Township Volunteer Fire Dept . “We know this grant is very competitive, and I’m sure his letter helped us in purchasing the air compressor and cascade system. Not only will this grant assist our department, but also the Leetsdale and Fair Oaks fire departments.” The full list of grant awardees is as follows: Assistance to Firefighters Grants Beaver Falls Fire Dept. – $12,290 Big Beaver Volunteer Fire Co. – $4,571 Castle Shannon Firemens’ Relief Association – $65,588 Cherry City Volunteer Fire Co. – $96,000 Darlington Township Volunteer Fire Dept – $471,428 Hanover Volunteer Fire Dept. – $19,047 Harmony Township Volunteer Firemen – $59,090 Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Co. – $47,419 Kennedy Township Independent Volunteer – $74,666 Moon Township Volunteer Fire Co. – $43,636 Peebles Volunteer Fire Co. – $52,436 Presto Volunteer Fire Dept. – $330,604 Ross/West View Emergency Medical Service – $363,181 Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services – $242,761 Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services – $949,240 As a condition of AFG grants, the recipient fire department is required to contribute non-federal funds equal to or greater than five percent of the Federal funds awarded. Many other fire departments in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District are eligible and encouraged to apply for this grant. Interested departments should review Congressman Deluzio’ office’s one-pager and connect with Emma Dawson, Grants Coordinator, in his Carnegie Office by emailing PA17Grants@mail.house.gov . Congressman Deluzio will continue to support local first responders by advocating for federal funding like this and through legislation including his Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act . The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, the courts are involved in determining whether many of these funding freezes will continue permanently or go on pause. Congressman Deluzio's office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure federal funding keeps flowing to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. Recipients of federal grants with issues accessing lawfully appropriated funds, should reach out to Congressman Deluzio's office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov . ###