Dr. Joyce Announces $22,000 in Grant Funding for Altoona Fire Department

Washington, DC – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), announced the City of Altoona Fire Department will be awarded $22,857.14 as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s FY2021 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Awards Program. The funds will be used to purchase and install smoke alarms for Altoona residents.

“Altoona firefighters are on call day and night to save lives and protect property,” said Congressman Joyce. “The outreach work that our firefighters do is an essential part of their commitment to safety in our area.  Having operational smoke alarms can save precious seconds in an emergency.”

Congressman Joyce recently met with Altoona Fire Chief Adam Free and Deputy Chief Mike Hawksworth to discuss work done by the Altoona Fire Department, and the assistance that federal funding can provide in accomplishing the department’s mission.

“The grant funds will be used to purchase smoke alarms, and the firefighters will install them and provide fire prevention education to the home residents. Smoke alarms are essential for early fire warnings in homes so people can get out safely. Working smoke alarms save lives and minimize property damage when our department can respond more quickly.  In addition, the families receiving these smoke alarms will have peace of mind knowing their family is protected,” said Altoona Fire Chief Adam Free.

Altoona residents who wish to have a smoke alarm installed by the Fire Department can call (814) 949-2230. Every home should have smoke alarms installed in each bedroom, as well as on every floor, including the basement.

Fire prevention and safety grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. As of April 7, FEMA has awarded more than $42 million in grant funding to fire departments across the United States.