Mark M. Gillen

02/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/18/2026 10:44

Gillen Announces More Than $117,000 for Fire Companies in 128th District

February 18, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Mark M. Gillen (R-Berks) is pleased to announce six fire companies in the 128th Legislative District have been awarded more than $117,000 in funding through the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

"Our volunteer firefighters put themselves at risk every day to protect our communities, homes and families," said Gillen. "These grants provide critical support to ensure our fire companies have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue serving the people of Berks County."

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

The following companies were awarded grants:

• Amity Fire Company, Douglassville - $16,136.
• Birdsboro-Union Fire Department, Birdsboro - $26,899.
• Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Reading - $28,136.
• Friendship Fire Company No. 1 of Geigertown, Geigertown - $12,014.
• Monarch Fire Co. No. 1, Douglassville - $14,075.
• Twin Valley Fire Department, Elverson - $20,000.

Companies must file a grant agreement with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to receive their funding. The funding program was created by the General Assembly and is supported through gaming proceeds. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All companies that apply and meet program requirements receive funding.
Representative Mark M. Gillen
128th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Will Jones
717.260.6615
[email protected]
RepGillen.com | Facebook.com/RepGillen

Mark M. Gillen published this content on February 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 18, 2026 at 16:44 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]