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Committee approves $25,000 grant to fire department for public affairs, honor guard and underwater recovery gear
Summary
Bill 63, a $25,000 supplemental appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was approved to fund a fire extinguisher simulator, underwater search viewer and honor guard equipment for the fire department; the committee approved it by unanimous voice vote.
The Allentown City Public Safety Committee on Oct. 25 approved Bill 63, amending the 2025 fire department budget to accept a $25,000 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grant to support the department’s public affairs office, honor guard and underwater recovery team.
A fire department representative described how the funds would be used: about $12,000 for a fire extinguisher simulator for training the public affairs and training staff; an underwater search viewer that uses sonar to aid searches in low-visibility water conditions; and equipment for the honor guard, including training materials and uniforms. The representative said the department’s current underwater goggles are “very old” and that the new viewer would provide sonar-based indications to narrow a search area.
Committee members asked a few clarifying questions about the underwater viewer and honor guard equipment; no public commenters addressed the item. A committee member moved the bill; Council Member Zuckel and Council Member Moda were recorded as seconding. The committee approved the appropriation by voice vote with all members saying “aye.” The meeting record does not show a roll-call tally.
The representative mentioned the honor guard’s recent activities, including First Responder Night at the IronPigs, and noted the honor guard’s use in ceremonies, funerals and parades. The committee did not discuss procurement schedules or warranties during the meeting.
