Rep. Wild Secures Another $378,000 for Local First Responders

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Susan Wild announced another $378,131.55 in secured federal fire operations and safety grants. This announcement comes just over one week after helping to secure more than $457,000 to fund critically needed resources for Allentown, Bethlehem, and Emmaus fire departments.

"I couldn't be happier to announce another $378,000 in secured federal funds to support our local firefighters and paramedics," said Rep. Wild. "These funds will enable first responders to enhance their services, safeguard themselves against harmful health conditions, and clearly communicate with each other -- all of which are critical to protecting the people, businesses, and structures of over twenty municipalities in the 7th District. I was proud to work closely with the leadership of these groups, including Whitehall Fire Chief David Nelson and Suburban EMS Executive Director Jeff Young, to secure these funds, and I thank them for their service our community."

"This grant is going to allow us to buy next generation radios that will soon be required in Monroe County and likely in Northampton County in the near future, which are our service areas," said Suburban EMS Executive Director Jeff Young. "This is huge for us. The new, improved radio system has better communication capabilities that's critical to our work. Thank you to Congresswoman Susan Wild for her efforts in helping us attain this grant."

"We'd like to thank Congresswoman Wild for her help and assistance getting an Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant," said Whitehall Fire Chief David Nelson. "This AFG grant will help our first responders be better protected with physicals and preventative shots for diseases and infections they can get when responding to emergency medical calls."

Specific breakdown of the funds is as follows:
- $293,667.27 for Suburban Emergency Medical Services
- $43,750 for Whitehall Township
- $40,714.28 for the East Allen Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps

The FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

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