Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Fire Chief Bob Scheirer and Police Chief Roger MacLean accepted $15,000 in grant checks from Pennsylvania State Representative Steve Samuelson at a news conference this morning at the Mack South Fire Station.

The fire department received $10,000 for fire hazardous materials equipment and fire investigation equipment. The police department received $5,000 to launch a Civilian Police Academy.

The fire department used the grant funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development to purchase respirators and respirator filters for responders; hard hats, full body protection and ventilation fans for haz-mat scenes; a ventilation saw and body armor vests for fire marshals.

“The members of our fire department need and deserve the best,” said Pawlowski. “We are grateful to Representative Samuelson for taking the lead in securing these grants,” the mayor added. “Haz-mat scenes present difficult challenges,” said Scheirer. “The members of the department can do their job with confidence knowing they are properly equipped,” added the chief.
“We hope that the Civilian Police Academy will increase the awareness of our citizens to the potential of criminal activity in their neighborhoods and encourage them to report suspicious behavior,” said Pawlowski. “Graduates of the program will gain knowledge of how the police department operates and how they can assist in fighting crime in the city,” said MacLean.

The grant from the state Department of Community & Economic Development covers the salaries of participating police officers as well as printing, advertising, promotion, office supplies and utility costs.

Samuelson represents the 135th district which includes part of the 15th Ward of Allentown on the city’s east side.