Luzerne Times

Twenty-four fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in the 116th Legislative District have received funding support through the 2023-24 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The grants, totaling nearly $406,000, were announced by Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) on February 13, 2024.

In a statement, Rep. Dane Watro expressed gratitude towards the first responders, stating, "We are grateful for our hardworking and dedicated first responders, who do an amazing job protecting lives and property in communities across the region." He further emphasized the importance of the funding program, which provides financial assistance to the fire and EMS companies, enabling them to continue their life-saving services.

Sen. Dave Argall echoed Watro's sentiments and expressed his appreciation for the local fire and EMS companies, saying, "I’m thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds. These grants are well-deserved and will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs."

The grants awarded to the fire and EMS companies in Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties were made possible by the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The funds are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not General Fund tax revenue.

The grant recipients in Luzerne County include the Borough of West Hazleton Fire Department, East End Engine and Hose Company No. 3, Fourteenth Ward Fire Company, Greater Hazleton Ambulance LLC, Harwood Fire Company, Hazle Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, Hazleton City Fire Department, Hazleton Heights Volunteer Fire Company, Pioneer Fire Company No. 1, and West Hazleton Fire Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.

In Schuylkill County, the recipients of the grants include Citizens Fire Company 2, Good American Hose Company No. 3, Heights Fire Company No. 1, Phoenix Fire Company No. 2, Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association, Sheppton Oneida Volunteer Fire Company, Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, William Penn Fire Company No. 1, Humane Fire Company No. 1, Washington Hook and Ladder No. 1, West End Fire and Rescue, McAdoo Fire Company Inc., McAdoo Fire Company Inc. and Ambulance Association, and Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company.

The funding will be used for various projects, including the construction or renovation of fire or ambulance company facilities, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. The grants are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) before July 1.

The Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, with the application process handled through the OSFC.

This funding support will undoubtedly benefit the dedicated first responders in Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties, ensuring they have the necessary resources to continue their important work of protecting the lives and property of the communities they serve.