Heffley, Argall Announce More Than $390,000 in State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Carbon County

HARRISBURG - Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-122) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced fire and emergency response organizations in Carbon County have been awarded $390,063 in state grants.

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the state legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). This funding comes from Pennsylvania state gaming revenue.

"I'm happy to see these dollars support vital services in Carbon County," Heffley said. "Our volunteer fire companies and EMS providers often operate on very limited budgets. This funding will help support our first responders with important needs and help to save lives."

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

The following organizations were awarded grants:

• Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company - $12,839
• American Fire Company No. 1 - $14,075
• Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company - $13,251
• Beaver Meadows Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $12,839
• Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company - $13,663
• Citizens Fire Company No. 1 of Weatherly - $13,869
• Diligence Fire Co No. 1 - $14,487.63
• Diligent Fire Company No. 3 - $12,014
• East Penn Township Volunteer Fire - $13,251
• Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $14,282
• Hauto Volunteer Fire Company - $13,045
• Lake Harmony Rescue and Ambulance Squad - $15,000
• Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company Inc. - $14,694
• Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company - $12,426
• Lehighton Ambulance Association Inc. - $15,000
• Lehighton Fire Department - $16,137
• Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association Inc. - $15,000
• Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $15,724
• Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1 - $16,137
• New Columbus Fire Company Inc. - $12,426
• Onoko Fire and Rescue - $24,633
• Palmerton Community Ambulance Association Inc. - $15,000
• Palmerton Municipal Fire Department Support Team - $15,312
• Parryville Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 - $12,633
• Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $13,251
• Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 - $14,075

Awarded funds can be used for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, education about fire safety or reduction of existing debt.

All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.

CONTACTS:

Andrew Forgotch (Heffley)
Seth Hubler (Argall)