Bensalem Fire Rescue Getting $132K Grant For Firefighter Safety

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department of Public Safety has secured a $132,727 FEMA grant to enhance firefighter safety.

Bensalem Fire Rescue said the $132,727.27 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will allow our department to upgrade its aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), essential equipment that ensures firefighter safety in hazardous environments.

SCBA, commonly referred to as air packs, play a vital role in safeguarding firefighters by providing breathable air in smoke-filled or toxic atmospheres. The new SCBA units funded by the grant incorporate advanced technology and safety features absent in the old SCBA.

The grant funds will cover the acquisition of 14 SCBA harnesses, 28 air bottles, 14 facepieces, and a RIT pack.

“The funding awarded by FEMA to Bensalem Fire Rescue will keep our firefighters safe and allow them to provide valuable services to our community," Public Safety Director William McVey said.

McVey thanked Us. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for securing the funding.

“We are incredibly thankful to be awarded this grant which will allow us to replace our aging SCBA with the latest version of NFPA compliant SCBA. This equipment is crucial to the safety of our firefighters when responding to critical incidents. We greatly appreciate the continued support from Congressman Fitzpatrick and his staff in helping us obtain this funding,” Battalion Fire Chief Robert Sponheimer of Bensalem Township Fire Rescue said.