Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded nearly $385,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today.
“These grants are a great help to our fire and ambulance companies that are struggling with finances and volunteer recruitment and training,” Causer said. “I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our emergency responders and am pleased so many of them took advantage of the opportunity to obtain these valuable grants.”
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue.
Since its inception, the program has provided nearly $4.5 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. 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.
Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards:
Cameron County
- Cameron County Ambulance Service – $7,201.70.
- Emporium Fire Department Inc., Emporium – $11,511.46.
- Mountaineer Search and Rescue, Emporium – $10,675.
- Sinnamahoning Volunteer Fire Department, Sinnamahoning – $11,511.46.
McKean County
- Bradford City Fire Department, Bradford – $12,133.
- Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $13,789.79.
- Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $12,422.79.
- Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $11,739.29.
- Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Eldred –$11,511.46.
- Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department, Eldred – $11,739.29.
- Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane – $11,739.29.
- Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $11,967.12
- Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $11,967.12
- Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association – $7,201.70.
- Mount Jewett Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $11,739.29.
- Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department, Duke Center – $7,201.70 for EMS operations; $11,739.29 for fire company operations.
- Port Allegany Fire Department-Star Hose Company No. 1, Port Allegany – $13,789.79.
- Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $4,221.62.
- Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $11,967.12.
- Smethport Fire Department Inc., Smethport – $12,194.96.
Potter County
- Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $7,201.70 for EMS operations; $13,789.79 for fire company operations.
- Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $13,789.79.
- Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $7,201.70 for EMS operations.
- Genesee Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Genesee – $7,201.70 for EMS operations; $11,739.29 for fire company operations.
- Germania Fire Company, Galeton – $11,511.46.
- Goodyear Hose Company No. 1, Galeton – $11,739.29.
- Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley – $13,789.79.
- Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $7,201.70.
- Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $11,511.46.
- Roulette Chemical Engine No. 1 Inc., Roulette — $7,201.70 for EMS operations; $11,511.46 for fire company operations.
- Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $7,201.70 for EMS operations; $12,194.96 for fire company operations.
State grants totaling more than $1.4 million were awarded for volunteer fire, EMS and ambulance companies in the 25th Senatorial District, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25).
Scarnati said the grants are awarded as part of the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Company Grant Program, which helps eligible organizations fund facility renovations and/or construction, equipment purchases, debt reduction and training.
“The services that our local volunteer fire and ambulance staff provide help make our communities stronger and safer,” Scarnati said. “These grants will help provide life-saving equipment and training, to allow our dedicated volunteers to perform their jobs safely and effectively. I thank these brave men and women for their service and congratulate them on receiving these grants to help their organizations meet crucial public safety needs.”
In the 25th Senatorial District 128 Fire and EMS companies are receiving grants through this round of funding. Local grants for each of the awardees ranged from $4,220 to $13,800.
Grants Awarded in the 25th Senatorial District
- Cameron County – $40,899.62
- Clearfield County- $175,914.41
- Clinton County – $232,021.08
- Elk County – $123,918.47
- Jefferson County – $246,399.27
- McKean County – $189,064.62
- Potter County – 154,787.49
- Tioga County – $245,531.22
For more information on the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Company Grant Program, please visit: http://www.osfc.pa.gov/.