Altoona Times

State Representative Rich Irvin announced that emergency responder organizations in the 81st Legislative District, covering parts of Franklin and Huntingdon counties, have been awarded $381,533 in funding. This financial support comes from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

"Our fire and EMS companies are the cornerstones of our communities," said Irvin. "The men and women who rush into a burning building, extract trapped motorists from their vehicles and tend to those in health emergencies need all the support we can give them. These grants will help them pay for equipment, training and more."

The grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) with funds derived from slot machine gaming proceeds rather than General Fund tax revenue. The grants can be used for various purposes including facility upgrades, equipment purchases or repair, debt reduction, education and public outreach, training, or recruitment and retention.

In Franklin County, several organizations received grants: Fannett Metal Fire and Ambulance Co. received $15,000 for fire services and $10,000 for EMS; Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Co. Inc. was awarded $13,826 for fire services and $10,000 for EMS; Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Co. obtained $13,080 for fire services and $10,000 for EMS; West End Fire and Rescue Co. received $15,000.

Huntingdon County also saw multiple recipients: Alexandria Volunteer Fire Co., Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue each received $15,000; Mapleton Fire Department Inc., Marklesburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 (fire) were awarded $13,335 each while its EMS unit got $10,000; Mill Creek Borough Volunteer Fire Co., Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 both secured $15,000 each among others listed.

All eligible companies that apply receive funding upon filing a grant agreement with OSFC.