Published: January 14, 2009 11:31 pm      

Four fire companies receive federal aid

For Carrolltown firefighters, a much-needed federal grant will literally provide a breath of fresh air.

Carrolltown Fire Engine Company, one of four local fire organizations awarded federal grants Wednesday, has been relying on outdated air packs when responding to emergency calls.

“They no longer make parts for them, and they don’t meet any of the firefighting standards,” said Bob Illig, Carrolltown’s deputy chief.

That will change with a $151,606 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “assistance to firefighters” grant program.

Along with new self-contained breathing apparatuses, Carrolltown’s volunteer company will buy 41 “completely new sets of turnout gear,” Illig said.

The company’s gear, which is supposed to have about a 10-year life span, dates to the 1980s.

Also getting a big boost Wednesday was Stoystown Volunteer Fire Company, which received $237,500 – the biggest award among the grants announced by U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.

The Somerset County company will put the cash toward the purchase of a new truck to replace a 30-year-old fire engine, Chief Dave Johnson said.

The grant is not expected to cover the new engine’s entire price tag.

“We’ve had a truck fund for a while now, so we’re going to have to use some of our own money,” Johnson said. “We’re in the process of getting bids.”

Two additional fire departments, both in Cambria County, also received federal aid:

• Conemaugh Volunteer Fire Company, based in East Conemaugh Borough, landed $44,508 for “operations and safety,” Murtha’s office said.

• West Hills Regional Fire Department will get $16,212.

Most of that grant will be used to purchase individually fitted masks for the Westmont-based department’s breathing apparatuses, Chief Don Blasko said.

With leftover cash, “we’re going to buy a few more sets of turnout gear for some of the new members we have,” Blasko said.