More than $332,000 in grants has been distributed to fire departments and emergency medical service providers in Pennsylvania’s 108th District. The announcement was made by Rep. Michael Stender (R-Montour/Northumberland), who highlighted the importance of the funding for local first responders.
“As a first responder, I know firsthand what it takes to answer a call for help. It is critical to have reliable equipment, proper training and safe facilities. This funding helps make sure our local fire and EMS companies have what they need to serve the community,” Stender said.
The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, established by the General Assembly, supports emergency response organizations across Pennsylvania. The program is managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency along with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Grant funds can be used for facility construction or renovation, equipment purchase or repair, training programs, recruitment and retention efforts, public education initiatives, and debt reduction. All of the program’s funding comes from slot machine gaming revenue rather than general tax dollars.
Organizations receiving grants include multiple fire companies in Montour County such as Continental Fire Company No. 3, East End Fire Company, Friendship Fire Company No. 1, Goodwill Hose Company No. 4, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Company, Valley Township Fire Company, Washington Fire and Hose Company No. 2, and Washingtonville Volunteer Fire Company.
In Northumberland County, recipients include Americus Hose Company (both EMS and fire divisions), East Sunbury Hose Company No. 1, Friendship Hose Company (Sunbury), Good Will Hose Company Inc., Milton Fire Department Inc., Northumberland Fire Company No. 1, Northumberland Hook and Ladder Company, Point Township Fire Company, Pottsgrove Volunteer Fire Company, Rescue Hose Company No. 1 (Sunbury), Southside Fire Company No. 1 (Riverside), Sunbury Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 (Sunbury), Turbot Township Fire Company (Milton), Upper Augusta Volunteer Fire Company (Sunbury), Warrior Run Ambulance (Watsontown) EMS, and Warrior Run Area Fire Department (Watsontown).
The total awarded across these organizations amounts to $332,847.
