South Central PA News

Rep. Dan Moul announced that 12 fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in his district will receive state grants from the 2022-23 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. The total amount of $204,000 is part of over $31 million distributed statewide.

The grants can be used for various purposes including construction or renovation of stations, equipment purchase or repair, training, debt reduction, education, public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts.

“Over the past couple of decades, the number of volunteer firefighters, EMS and rescue personnel has declined sharply, leaving some communities vulnerable in cases of emergency,” said Moul. “The General Assembly recently passed legislation that offers educational benefits, tax breaks and other incentives to encourage more people to volunteer for these critical public safety positions. I am pleased that these grants not only provide funding to help our fire and EMS companies maintain the infrastructure and tools they use but will also help with recruitment and retention of essential personnel.”

The grant recipients include Alpha Fire Co. No.1 Inc., Barlow VFC Inc., Buchanan Valley Vol. Fire Dept. Inc., Cashtown Community Fire Dept., Fairfield Community Fire Co., Fountain Dale Vol. Fire Dept., Greenmount Community Fire Co., Southeastern Adams Vol. Emergency Services (EMS), United Hook and Ladder Co. No.33, and Adams Regional Emergency Medical Service (EMS).

All fire companies, EMS services, and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program funded by state gaming proceeds. Funding amounts depend on recipients filing their grant agreements with the Office of State Fire Commissioner.