Lehigh Times

HARRISBURG – Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) announced today that the Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department will benefit from a nearly $160,000 state grant for new breathing equipment.

"This grant will provide Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department firefighters with some of the equipment they need to perform the difficult and dangerous work necessary to protect the community," Coleman stated. "Our volunteer firefighters provide an essential public service and we want to make sure they have the tools they need to do their job."

The state grant will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), including air packs, bottles, and masks. The department currently uses older model SCBAs, and the newer models will offer upgraded safety features.

Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department covers more than 26 square miles of Weisenberg Township and provides mutual aid to surrounding municipalities in Lehigh and Berks counties. The all-volunteer department offers fire protection, responds to vehicle accidents, and assists area emergency medical crews on critical calls.

Funding for the SCBAs is provided through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

Residents interested in learning more about Coleman can visit his website at SenatorColeman.com, follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorJarrettColeman, or sign up for email newsletters at SenatorColeman.com/eNewsletters.

CONTACT: Robert Arena

484-861-4964