97 Fire and EMS Companies in Schuylkill County to Receive Grants

HARRISBURG – 97 Schuylkill County fire departments and EMS companies will soon be receiving grants from the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, according to Senator David G. Argall, Representative Neal Goodman, Representative Mike Tobash, and Representative Jerry Knowles.  This program, facilitated by the Office of the State Fire Commission, provides funding to local first responders across the state for eligible projects.  These grants could go towards facility upgrades, new equipment purchases, or training for new recruits, as well as other projects to help assure the preparedness of our first responders.

“Our brave first responders have put themselves on the line for our safety even more than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Argall.  “These grants are well-deserved, and I am thankful that so many local companies will benefit from this program.”

“In the best of times, fund raising can be challenging for our volunteer first responders. The COVID-19 pandemic has made that task extremely difficult. I am pleased many local fire and EMS companies will receive much-needed and well-deserved financial support through this program to help them continue their life-saving work,” said Goodman.

“During trying times, we rely on our first responders more than ever and it’s great to know that funding is available through this grant program so that they can continue to provide much needed services to our communities,” said Tobash.

“We cannot combat the COVID-19 pandemic without getting these first responders the tools they need to respond to this crisis,” said Knowles. “They often struggle to raise the necessary funds they need to stay in operation. It gives me great satisfaction to know that we are able to provide financial support to our local fire and ambulance companies so they can continue their life-saving services to our communities.”

Legislation was recently signed into law that would provide an additional $50 million in grants to assist fire and EMS companies with costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The bill, sponsored by Senator Joe Pittman (R-41), would appropriate money from the federal CARES act to the same fire and EMS companies that were eligible to receive funding from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

A list of all the awarded grants is attached.

 

Contact: Christine Verdier

570-773-0891

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