24 VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDER GROUPS TO SPLIT OVER $318,000 IN STATE GRANT FUNDS

State Senator Joe Pittman and representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith have announced 22 Indiana County fire departments, and two EMS organizations will divide more than $318.000 in state grant funds.

The money comes from the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grant program administered by the PA Office of the Fire Commissioner. The money can be used for updates to facilities, equipment purchases, reducing debt, training and education, and recruitment and retention.

In a joint news release, Senator Pittman said that the grants will help them provide “life-saving equipment and training to help support our dedicated emergency response personnel and allow them to perform their jobs safely and effectively.” Struzzi added that the challenges volunteer fire companies and EMS agencies face continue to grow, and he will continue to support them. He said that “we can never fully thank them for their service, but we can provide them with resources to make their operations smoother.”

The following fire companies are receiving awards:
• Armagh and East Wheatfield Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,663.99.
• Aultman Volunteer Fire Association: $12,448.81.
• Black Lick Volunteer Fire Company: $13,955.06.
• Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
• Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc: $13,955.06.
• Clyde VFD: $12,018.46.
• Clymer Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1: $14,385.41.
• Coal Run McIntyre Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.
• Commodore Volunteer Fire Department: $14,815.77.
• Coral-Graceton Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
• Creekside Volunteer Fire Company: $13,524.70.
• Glen Campbell Volunteer Fire Company: $12,018.46.
• Homer City Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.
• Indiana Fire Association: $16,322.02.
• Iselin Volunteer Fire Company: $12,448.81.
• Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department: $12,018.46.
• Pine Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
• Plumville District Volunteer Fire Department Inc: $13,309.52.
• Rossiter Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,018.46.
• Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department: $12,879.17.
• Tunnelton-Conemaugh Township Volunteer Fire Department: $13,739.88.
• Young Mens Volunteer Fire Company: $13,309.52.