Local fire companies receive over $320,000

HARRISBURG — More than $320,000 was recently awarded to fire and ambulance companies in the local area.

State Rep. Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) announced that fire and ambulance companies in the 66th Legislative District will collectively receive $320,214 in state grants to support their public safety mission.

“Our EMTs, paramedics and firefighters are ready at a moment’s notice to keep Jefferson and Indiana counties safe,” Smith said. “But many of these departments are volunteer or nonprofit organizations. This funding is so important to offset their operating costs, allowing them to continue helping our communities.”

He said 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.

“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,” Smith said.

Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.

The grants awarded as follows:

• Central Fire Department: $14,228.68.

• Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company: $13,256.07.

• Lindsey Fire Company: $15,979.38.

• Big Run Volunteer Fire Company: $14,228.68.

• Brookville Volunteer Fire Company: $13,061.55.

• Jefferson County EMS: $15,000.

• Brockway Volunteer Fire Hose Company: $14,617.72.

• Commodore Volunteer Fire Department: $15,201.29.

• Corsica Volunteer Fire Company: $13,061.55.

• Glen Campbell Volunteer Fire Department: $13,061.55.

• Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department: $13,645.11.

• McCalmont Township Volunteer Fire Company: $14,617.72.

• Oliver Township Volunteer Fire Company: $13,256.07.

• Perry Township Jefferson County Volunteer Fire Company: $13,450.59.

• Pine Creek Township Fireman’s Association: $13,601.55.

• Plumville District Volunteer Fire Department: $14,228.68.

• Reynoldsville Ambulance Service: were

$11,326.

• Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Company: $14,423.20.

• Ringgold Area Volunteer Fire Company: $13,061.55.

• Sigel Volunteer Fire Department: $13,256.07.

• Summerville

Volunteer Firemen’s Association: $13,061.55.

• Sykesville Ambulance Service: $15,000.

• Sykesville Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $15,590.33.

The recipients have not announced how they intend to utilize the funding.