First Responders to Share $437,000 in ‘Slot Machine’ Funds

To help local fire and ambulance companies continue providing life-saving services to communities and residents throughout the 110th District, State Rep. Tina Pickett (above) recently announced that 32 fire and ambulance companies serving communities in the 110th Legislative District will share more than $437,000 in state grants.

Fire and ambulance companies face so many daunting challenges, from training needs to rising expenses and dwindling numbers of volunteers, and that’s why this grant program is so desperately needed,” Pickett said. “This grant program has provided millions of dollars over the years to help our volunteers better equip their stations, pay down debt or afford capital projects. This program is designed to help give our volunteer organizations a bit more breathing room so they can spend more time training and preparing, rather than fundraising.”

The Pennsylvania Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program awards funding to local organizations for the construction or renovation of a fire company or ambulance service’s primary structure; the purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.  The grant program, which is funded by state gaming proceeds, is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of Fire Commissioner within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

Thank you to all of our fire and ambulance companies for the work they do everyday to keep our communities safe,” Pickett added. “Their service is priceless.”

The funding comes from proceeds from slot machine gaming in Pennsylvania.

Grants totaling $235,502 were awarded to the following companies in the district located in Bradford County:

  • Athens Township Volunteer Fire Company — $12,358.
  • Diahoga Hose Company No. 6 — $12,616.
  • Engine Company No. 1 — $11,844.
  • Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department — $11,844.
  • Greater Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc. — $12,873 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.
  • Herrick Township Volunteer Fire Company – $9,999.
  • Howard Elmer Hose Company No. 4 — $12,101.
  • J.E. Wheelock Hose Company No. 5 — $12,101.
  • Litchfield Township Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844.
  • New Albany Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844.
  • North Towanda Fire and Rescue Volunteers Inc. — $13,387.
  • Protection Hose Company No. 1 — $12,616.
  • Towanda Fire Department — $13,130.
  • Ulster-Sheshequin Fire Association — $12,616.
  • Vigilante Engine Company No. 1 — $11,844.
  • Windham Township Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844.
  • Wyalusing Valley Volunteer Fire Department — $11,844
  • Wysox Volunteer Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Inc. — $7,447.
  • Wysox Volunteer Fire Company — $13,902.

Grants amounting to $142,782 were awarded to the following companies located in Sullivan County:

  • Dushore Fire Company No. 1 — $12,873 for fire and $7,448 for EMS services.
  • Eldredsville Volunteer Fire Company Inc. — $12,358 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.
  • Endless Winds Volunteer Fire Company — $12,101.
  • Forksville Volunteer Fire Company — $12,358.
  • Hillsgrove Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.
  • Laporte Borough Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.
  • Mildred Ambulance Association — $7,448.
  • Mildred Volunteer Fire Company — $12,358.
  • Muncy Valley Area Volunteer Fire Company — $12,358 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.

Grants totaling $58,940 were awarded to the following companies located in the 110th District in Susquehanna County:

  • Hop Bottom Hose Company — $14,417.
  • Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Company — $11,844 for fire and $7,448 for EMS.
  • Rush Volunteer Fire Department Inc. — $11,844.
  • Springville Volunteer Fire Company — $13,387.

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