The FEMA award for $397,000 will replace the Department's 33 year old engine with a new, NFPA approved apparatus. Of the over 12,000 applications, roughly 25% are awarded of which only 5% is allocated for vehicles.That estimates to roughly only 230 vehicle awards nationally making this one of the most difficult awards to obtain. The Fire Company will meet with apparatus manufacturers to determine who will design and build the truck. Delivery is expected in 12 months
On October 8 at the Borough’s Fall Festival, Congressman Tim Murphy, accompanied by PA State Representative Rick Saccone and PA Senator Guy Reschenthaler, awarded the check to members of Gill Hall VFD. “It is rare that a Volunteer Fire Company gets a truck but we know that because they are near highways, rivers and rail lines, they have to be prepared and well supplied,” said Congressman Murphy.
Congressman Murphy commented on the the high cost of running a fire company. “ It is very expensive to run a fire company, and it is important to the taxpayers to know that this is their tax money coming home,” he said.
“The Members and Officers of Gill Hall VFC would like to thank Congressman Tim Murphy for his support as well as the AFG (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) Program for making these grant opportunities possible,” said Gill Hall Fire Chief Adam Galis who wrote the grant.
The latest grants brings the total amount of grant awards to Gill Hall VFD in the past 5 years to $703,000.
Pictured in this photo after accepting the proclamation from Mayor Jan Cmar, are Fire Chief Adam Galis, Council President Chris King, Secretary Patti Felix, President Calvin Felix, Mayor Jan Cmar, Assistant Chief Mark Breier