Philadelphia FD Awarded $3.3 Million For Training, Smoke Alarms

Philadelphia PA

06 October, 2021

1:10 PM

Description

PHILADELPHIA, PA —The Philadelphia Fire Department announced Wednesday it has received more than $3.3 million in federal grants for firefighter training and smoke alarm purchase/installation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded PFD with a $2,971,974 Assistance to Firefighters Grant and a $376,905 Fire Prevention & Safety grant, according to a news release. The Assistance to Firefighters grant money will be used to develop department-wide training on building construction. This was recommended after the death of Lt. Matthew LeTorneau in 2018. LeTorneau was killed in the line of duty when a rowhouse interior collapsed. This training will help firefighters better understand how to navigate Philly's variety of building types when fighting fires, the news release says. The Fire Prevention & Safety grant money will be used to purchase and install 20,000 smoke alarms for Philadelphia residents. Money will also be used to get 250 adaptive smoke alarms for those who are deaf or hearing impaired. The Philly Fire Department says 25 people have died and 150 have been injured so far this year. The city will contribute about $465,000 to these initiatives.