Lower Bucks Today

LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced today that he has secured $90,416.36 for the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and $43,485.71 for the Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Since 2001, the AFG Program has awarded approximately $8.4 billion in grant funding to provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

With this FY23 funding, the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad will be able to replace outdated bunker gear and acquire essential new personal protective equipment (PPE) for their full-time staff. The Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS will be able to obtain new helmets and protective gear, ensuring their team is well-equipped to safely serve the community.

Jason Dowd, Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad Chief of Operations, expressed his gratitude: "This grant will enable our EMTs and paramedics to acquire updated gear, helping to ensure they are equipped with the best tools available to protect themselves as they assist our families and communities. Our team can now focus on their vital work with the confidence that they are adequately protected."

Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS Chief Mike Tuttle also commented on the importance of the funding: “At a time when Emergency Medical Service agencies across the nation are struggling for support, we are incredibly thankful to be awarded this grant. This vital funding allows us to provide our staff with the proper and necessary protection to safely and successfully respond to critical incidents within our community. We thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his continued support of our department and for helping us obtain this critical funding.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick emphasized his commitment: “As a certified EMT and Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, it has been my mission to ensure that the hero first responders in our community have the resources and support they need to protect our community with the highest level of safety and effectiveness. Day-in and day-out, the incredible men and women of the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS put their lives on the line to selflessly serve and safeguard our community. Securing this vital funding represents not just an investment in new protective gear and equipment but an investment in their safety and the resilience of our entire community. I will always fight for our first responders.”

Congressman Fitzpatrick also recently secured over $130,000 in federal funding for the Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department and over $160,000 in federal funding for the Sellersville Fire Department.

The Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad has served since 1942 as a primary Emergency Medical Service provider for Upper Southampton, Lower Southampton, and Northampton Townships from its base in Richboro, PA. Their mission includes providing exceptional patient care, injury prevention, illness prevention, and community education.

Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS was formed through a merger in 1998 of Point Pleasant Ambulance Corps and Plumsteadville Ambulance Corps. Primarily run by volunteers, they serve Plumsteadville Township by rendering emergency medical care regardless of cause or time.