Local Fire, EMS Companies Receive Much-Needed State Grants

Grant funding will be coming to several first responder companies in the 9th Legislative District under a program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), according to Representatives Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence).

Every emergency service organization that completes the application process receives funding. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.

“First responders are at the core of our communities,” said Brown. “Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel treat those in pain. Firefighters carry victims to safety. Their dedication, determination and cooperation are unmatched.”

“In times of crisis and emergencies, firefighters and emergency medical professionals are among the first to step into action,” added Bernstine. “These first responders not only possess the skills necessary to excel in their roles but also carry an unyielding commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of others.”

Grants awarded within the 9th District are:

Lawrence County

• Borough of Ellwood City Fire Department – $14,034
• Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department – $14,034
• Enon Valley Community Volunteer Fire Department – $13,451
• New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department – $13,451
• Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department – $14,423
• Slippery Rock Township Volunteer Fire Department – $13,256
• Volant Volunteer Fire Company – $13,445
• Wampum Volunteer Fire Department – $13,451
• Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department – $13,062
• Wurtemburg Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department – $14,229

Butler County

• Butler Ambulance Service Company (EMS) – $15,000
• Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company – $16,563
• Cranberry Township Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – $15,000
• Harmony Emergency Medical Services – $10,000
• Harmony Fire District – $29,952
• Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company – $13,645
• Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department – $14,229
• Pennsylvania Medical Transport, Inc. (EMS) – $15,000
• Portersville Muddy Creek Volunteer EMS – $10,000
• Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department – $14,034
• Prospect Volunteer Fire Department – $14,034
• Quality Emergency Medical Service Inc. (EMS) – $15,000
• Unionville Volunteer Fire Company Inc. – $16,174.
• West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department – $15,007

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training 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 by July 1 to receive their grants.

All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue.