Fire Companies, EMS Agencies in Western Schuylkill County Awarded State Grants

HARRISBURG - Fire companies and EMS agencies throughout western Schuylkill County were awarded state grants totaling more than $294,000 to assist with their important mission to protect public safety, according to Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).

"Our volunteer fire and EMS personnel dedicate countless hours to keeping our neighbors safe," Stehr said. "This funding strengthens their ability to respond quickly and effectively, while helping with equipment, training and facility needs. I am grateful for their continued service to our community."

"I'm thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds," Argall said. "These grants are well-deserved and will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs."

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire safety or reduction of existing debt.

The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, not General Fund tax revenue.

The local grants are as follows:

• Citizens Fire Company of Branchdale - $12,632.59
• Community Ambulance Service Club of Tower City - $15,000.00
• Donaldson Fire Company No. 1 - $12,220.36
• Hegins Area Ambulance Association Inc. - $15,000.00
• Hegins Valley Fire Rescue - $25,663.17
• Joliett Volunteer Fire Company - $12,014.25
• Klingerstown Fire Company No. 1 - $13,457.05
• Mahantongo Valley Fire Company - $12,632.59
• Muir Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $14,075.40
• Newtown Volunteer Fire Company - $12,632.59
• North End Fire Company - $16,136.55
• Orwin Fire Company - $13,044.82
• Pine Grove Community Ambulance Association - $10,000.00
• Pine Grove Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 - $14,281.52
• Ravine Fire Company No. 1 - $15,930.44
• Sacramento Community Fire Company - $14,693.75
• Suedberg Community Fire Company - $12,220.36
• Tremont Area Ambulance - $15,000.00
• Tremont Fire Company No. 1 - $14,281.52
• Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $12,014.25
• West End Fire Company No. 3 - $12,014.25

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC to receive their grants.

CONTACTS:
Seth Hubler (Argall)
Will Jones (Stehr)