Altoona Times

Rep. Rich Irvin announced that emergency responder organizations in the 81st Legislative District will receive funding through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. This initiative aims to support local fire and EMS companies by providing necessary financial resources.

"This is critical funding that helps ensure our fire and EMS companies stay open," said Irvin. "These are volunteer operations that take a lot of hard work, long hours, and funding to safely and effectively serve their communities. I have, and always will, support these vital organizations."

The grant program covers projects such as construction or renovation of facilities, equipment purchase or repair, training, or debt reduction for eligible fire or ambulance companies.

In Franklin County, grants were awarded to several organizations: Fannett Metal Fire and Ambulance Co., Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Co. Inc., Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Co., St. Thomas Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co., and West End Fire and Rescue Co.

Huntingdon County recipients include Alexandria Volunteer Fire Co., Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue, Juniata Valley Ambulance Service Assoc. Inc., Marklesburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Mill Creek Borough Volunteer Fire Co., Mount Union Fire Co. 1, Orbisonia Rockhill Emergency Medical Service, Petersburg Volunteer Fire Co., RW & BT Volunteer Fire Co., Shade Gap Fire Co., Shavers Creek Valley Community Volunteer Fire Co., Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Stone Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Co., Three Springs Area Ambulance Service Inc., Trough Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Co., Twins Creek Community Volunteer Ambulance.

The grant program is funded by proceeds from slot machine gaming rather than General Fund tax revenue. It is managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency alongside the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC).