Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz praised passage of legislation yesterday to provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to prevent and fight fires, and keep our communities safe. The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act invests in vital firefighter assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment vehicles and hire personnel. Schwartz, a strong supporter of the bill, gave the following speech today in recognition of the vital legislation that was passed and of Philadelphia’s having the oldest fire department in the country.

Schwartz’s floor speech follows below.

“I rise today to recognize the importance of the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act.  These grants are a prominent component of federal support for our nation’s first responders by enhancing their ability to protect the public from fire and related hazards. 

“The Assistance to Firefighters and SAFER Grants  help firefighters and first responders ensure critically needed personnel, equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.  They also allow fire departments to make critical improvements to their fire stations; modifications that can greatly improve the health and safety of these brave men and women.

“Every day our nation’s firefighters risk their lives in order to keep our communities safe.  Between the 30,000 fire departments in the United States, a fire fighter responds to a fire once every 20 seconds in this country.  Philadelphia is home to one of the oldest fire departments in the country, dating back to December 7, 1736.  The department also claims one of the busiest EMS systems in the country, handling 260,955 responses in 2006. 

“Throughout my time in office I have fought to ensure our firefighters receive the care and treatment they have so bravely earned.  The reauthorization of these fire grants is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters.

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