O’Mara applauds $15K grant awarded to volunteer fire company
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara November 22, 2021 | 3:30 PM
BROOMALL, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, congratulated Broomall Fire Company for being selected to receive a $15,000 grant to go toward water rescue equipment and training.
Funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and will help the volunteer department purchase dry suits. Dry suits help firefighters respond to standing and swift water rescues, as their typical gear is not suitable for these situations. Funding will also help cover training from a certified water rescue training provider.
“As the daughter of a Philadelphia firefighter, ensuring that first responders have all the tools they need to effectively do their jobs and assist people in crisis is one of my top priorities as a legislator,” O’Mara said. “I know this grant will be a huge help to Broomall Fire Company and strengthen their capabilities to respond to people impacted by flooding. This will be especially beneficial to residents who live along Darby Creek and need emergency services after a major storm.”
“Over the past several years Broomall Fire Company has seen a significant rise in calls to rescue people stranded in their cars or homes as a result of rising water during significant weather events. We lack the proper protective equipment to safely execute this type of rescue,” Jim Capuzzi, president of Broomall Fire Co., said. “Oftentimes, our firefighters are forced to remove their firefighting gear and enter the water without any additional protection. Thanks to Representative O’Mara sponsoring this grant, we are now able to purchase dry-suits, floatation devices, rescue rope and specialized equipment needed for our firefighters to safely perform water rescues.”
Questions may be directed to O’Mara’s office by calling 610-544-9878.