HARRISBURG – State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), State Rep. Brian Smith (R-66), and State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) announced today that 22 local fire departments and two emergency medical services providers in Indiana County will receive $318,505.98 in state grant funds.
“We are grateful for the services offered by local fire companies and EMS teams, which help make our communities stronger and safer,” Pittman said. “These grants will assist with providing life-saving equipment and training to help support our dedicated emergency response personnel and allow them to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”
The annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program offers a wide range of support for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. The grant can be awarded for up to two projects in diverse categories such as facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training, training and education materials, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, and costs associated with career departments.
The following fire companies are receiving awards:
- Armagh and East Wheatfield Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,663.99.
- Aultman Volunteer Fire Association: $12,448.81.
- Black Lick Volunteer Fire Company: $13,955.06.
- Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
- Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc: $13,955.06.
- Clyde VFD: $12,018.46.
- Clymer Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1: $14,385.41.
- Coal Run McIntyre Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.
- Commodore Volunteer Fire Department: $14,815.77.
- Coral-Graceton Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
- Creekside Volunteer Fire Company: $13,524.70.
- Glen Campbell Volunteer Fire Company: $12,018.46.
- Homer City Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.
- Indiana Fire Association: $16,322.02.
- Iselin Volunteer Fire Company: $12,448.81.
- Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department: $12,018.46.
- Pine Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
- Plumville District Volunteer Fire Department Inc: $13,309.52.
- Rossiter Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
- Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department: $12,879.17.
- Tunnelton-Conemaugh Township Volunteer Fire Department: $13,739.88.
- Young Mens Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.
The following EMS providers are receiving awards:
- Citizens Ambulance Service Inc: $15,000.
- Lifestat Ambulance Service Inc: $15,000.
“The challenges facing our volunteer fire companies and EMS providers continue to grow, matched only by their continued importance,” Struzzi said. “This is why I have and will continue supporting programs that provide resources to our first responders. We can never fully thank them for their service, but we can provide them with resources to make their operations smoother.”
“We depend so heavily on our firefighters and emergency services workers to keep ourselves and our property safe in emergencies,” Smith said. “But they can’t do their jobs without the proper funding. I’m glad we were able to secure these grants, and we’ll keep working to make sure our fire and ambulance companies have what they need.”
Grant recipients must complete a signed agreement with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by May 30 to receive the funds. More details about the program and the full list of statewide grants can be found here.
Media Contacts:
Kate Flessner (Sen. Pittman) kflessner@pasen.gov
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Smith) jgillespie@pahousegop.com
Charlie O’Neill (Rep. Struzzi) coneill@pahousegop.com