Monroe County News

HARRISBURG - Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) has announced that eight fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in the 176th Legislative District have been awarded over $116,000 in funding support through the 2023-24 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

"I am pleased we are able to provide these badly needed state grants to our local fire and ambulance companies so they can continue their life-saving services to communities in the 176th Legislative District," said Rader.

The grants, generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not General Fund tax revenue, will support various projects and expenses for the recipient organizations. The local grants awarded are as follows:

- Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company - $15,396.

- Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company - $13,256.

- Pocono Mountain Regional EMS - $14,995.

- Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company - $14,423.

- Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company - $14,618.

- Tobyhanna Township Bureau of Fire-Station 44 - $13,256.

- Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Company - $13,256.

- West End Fire Company of Brodheadsville - $16,952.

The funding can be used for a range of purposes, including the construction or renovation of fire or ambulance company facilities, the purchase or repair of equipment, training, or the reduction of existing debt.

The administration of the program is done by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). However, the funding amounts are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with OSFC before July 1.

These grants will play a crucial role in supporting the local fire and EMS companies in their efforts to provide essential services to the communities they serve. The funds will help ensure that necessary equipment is available, facilities are well-maintained, and firefighters and EMS personnel receive the necessary training to carry out their duties effectively.

As Rep. Jack Rader stated, "I am pleased we are able to provide these badly needed state grants to our local fire and ambulance companies so they can continue their life-saving services to communities in the 176th Legislative District."