Boscola Announces Nearly $190,000 In State Funding For Slate Belt Fire Departments and EMS Providers

Boscola Announces Nearly $190,000 In State Funding For Slate Belt Fire Departments and EMS Providers

February 12, 2026

BETHLEHEM - February 12, 2026 - State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced today that fifteen grants were approved for fire departments and emergency medical services (EMS) providers in the Slate Belt totaling $188,711.35 through the 2025-26 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).

"The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program continues to provide critical financial assistance to the most vital organizations in our local communities: our fire and emergency medical services providers," Boscola said. "Volunteer fire departments and EMS in the Slate Belt provide essential services that protect our citizens in their time of need."

Grants approved for Slate Belt Fire and EMS are as follows:

• Blue Valley Rescue Squad - $12,014.25
• Columbia Fire Company - $12,014.25
• East Bangor Volunteer Fire Co - $12,220.36
• Liberty Fire - $12,014.25
• Lookout Fire Company No 1 - $12,014.25
• Lower Mount Bethel/Sandts Eddy Fire Co - $12,838.71
• Mount Bethel Vol Fire Company, Inc - $13,457.05
• North Bangor Fire Company - $12,426.48
• Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Co - $16,136.55
• Portland Hook & Ladder Co #1 - $12,014.25
• Rescue Fire Company #1 - $12,632.59
• Second Ward Fire Company - $12,426.48
• Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company - $14,075.40
• Wind Gap Ambulance Corps Inc - $10,000
• Wind Gap Fire Company - $12,426.48

In accordance with program guidelines for 2025-26 program, eligible projects for funding include facility construction or renovation, equipment, debt reduction, training, education, recruitment and retention, construction savings account (fire companies only), and overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only).

Companies have until May 31, 2026, to submit their 2025-26 FCEMS Grant Agreements. All final reports (including all supporting documents) must be submitted electronically via grant application by September 1, 2026. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online at https://www.osfc.pa.gov/ or by contacting Senator Boscola's office at (610) 868-8667.

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