Altoona Times

HARRISBURG - Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Franklin/Huntingdon) has announced funding being awarded to emergency responder organizations in the 81st Legislative District under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

"The men and women who dedicate their time to serving our communities through their work with our fire and EMS companies deserve our heartfelt appreciation today and every day," said Irvin. "They do this work primarily on a volunteer basis with limited funding for equipment, training and other necessities in order to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. That is why this funding is so critical."

The funding will be used for various projects, including the construction or renovation of fire or ambulance company facilities, the purchase or repair of equipment, training, or the reduction of existing debt.

Local fire and EMS companies in the 81st Legislative District have been awarded grants as follows:

- Fannett Metal Fire and Ambulance Co. (Fire) - $16,562.

- Fannett Metal Fire and Ambulance Co. (EMS) - $15,000.

- Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Co. Inc. (Fire) - $14,617.

- Metal Township Fire and Ambulance Co. Inc. (EMS) - $12,372.

- St. Thomas Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co. - $13,256.

- West End Fire and Rescue Co. - $16,951.

- Alexandria Volunteer Fire Co. - $15,979.

- Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue - $20,000.

- Mapleton Fire Department Inc. - $14,228.

- Marklesburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 (Fire) - $14,617.

- Marklesburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 (EMS) - $10,000.

- Mill Creek Borough Volunteer Fire Co. - $15,000.

- Mount Union Fire Co. 1 (Fire) - $13,061.

- Mount Union Fire Co. 1 (EMS) - $15,000.

- Orbisonia Rockhill Emergency Medical Service - $10,000.

- Orbisonia Rockhill Volunteer Fire Co. - $14,423.

- Petersburg Volunteer Fire Co. - $15,006.

- RW & BT Volunteer Fire Co. (Fire) - $14,812.

- RW & BT Volunteer Fire Co. (EMS) - $15,000.

- Shade Gap Fire Co. - $13,450.

- Shavers Creek Valley Community Volunteer Fire Co. - $14,812.

- Smithfield Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 - $16,951.

- Stone Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Co. - $14,617.

- Three Springs Area Ambulance Service Inc. - $15,000.

The funding for these grants comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). It is important to note that all funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue.

This funding will greatly assist the fire and EMS companies in the 81st Legislative District to enhance their capabilities and better serve the communities.