Altoona Times

Rep. Rich Irvin has 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 fire and EMS companies with necessary resources for their operations.

“The men and women who dedicate their time to serving our communities through their work with our fire and EMS companies deserve our heartfelt appreciation today and every day,” said Irvin. “They do this work primarily on a volunteer basis with limited funding for equipment, training and other necessities in order to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. That is why this funding is so critical.”

The grants can be used for various projects, including construction or renovation of facilities, equipment purchase or repair, training, or debt reduction.

The list of grant recipients includes several local fire and EMS companies in Franklin County: Fannett Metal Fire and Ambulance Co., Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Co. Inc., St. Thomas Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co., and West End Fire and Rescue Co.

In Huntingdon County, beneficiaries include Alexandria Volunteer Fire Co., Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue, Mapleton Fire Department 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., and Three Springs Area Ambulance Service Inc.

The funding is sourced from an ongoing grant program established by the Legislature, managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). The funds are derived from slot machine gaming proceeds rather than General Fund tax revenue.