State Senator Joe Pittman, along with State Representatives Brian Smith and Jim Struzzi, have announced that $318,505.98 in state grant funds will be distributed to 22 local fire departments and two emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Indiana County. This funding comes from the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
Senator Pittman expressed gratitude for the services provided by local fire companies and EMS teams. “These grants will assist with providing life-saving equipment and training to help support our dedicated emergency response personnel and allow them to perform their jobs safely and effectively,” he stated.
The grant program supports volunteer and career fire companies, EMS, and rescue squads across various categories including facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training materials, recruitment, retention, construction savings accounts, and costs associated with career departments.
Among the recipients are Armagh and East Wheatfield Township Volunteer Fire Co., Aultman Volunteer Fire Association, Black Lick Volunteer Fire Company, Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fire Co., Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc., Clyde VFD, Clymer Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Coal Run McIntyre Volunteer Fire Company, Commodore Volunteer Fire Department, Coral-Graceton Volunteer Fire Co., Creekside Volunteer Fire Company, Glen Campbell Volunteer Fire Company, Homer City Volunteer Fire Company, Indiana Fire Association, Iselin Volunteer Fire Company, Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department, Pine Township Volunteer Fire Co., Plumville District Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Rossiter Volunteer Fire Co., Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department, Tunnelton-Conemaugh Township Volunteer Fire Department; Young Mens’VolunteerFireCompany.Citizens Ambulance Service Inc.andLifestat Ambulance Service Inc.arealsoamongtheawardedEMSproviders.
Representative Struzzi highlighted the growing challenges faced by volunteer fire companies and EMS providers: “This is why I have and will continue supporting programs that provide resources to our first responders.”
Representative Smith emphasized the necessity of proper funding for these essential services: “But they can’t do their jobs without the proper funding. I’m glad we were able to secure these grants.”
Grant recipients are required to complete a signed agreement with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by May 30 to receive their funds.
