Lawrence Times

HARRISBURG – In a recent announcement, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) revealed that 24 fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in the 8th Legislative District of Pennsylvania will collectively receive approximately $350,085 in state grants through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The grants were made available through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the funding program was established by the General Assembly.

Bernstine expressed his appreciation for the important work that firefighters and emergency medical professionals do, stating, "In times of crisis and emergencies, firefighters and emergency medical professionals are among the first to step into action. These first responders not only possess the skills necessary to excel in their roles but also carry an unyielding commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of others."

The local fire and EMS companies in the 8th District that have been awarded grants include the Butler Ambulance Service Company, Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company, Cranberry Township Emergency Medical Service, Harmony Emergency Medical Services, Harmony Fire District, Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company, Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania Medical Transport, Inc., Portersville Muddy Creek Volunteer EMS, Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, Quality Emergency Medical Service Inc., Unionville Volunteer Fire Company Inc., and West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department.

In Lawrence County, the Borough of Ellwood City Fire Department, Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department, Enon Valley Community Volunteer Fire Department, New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department, Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department, Slippery Rock Township Volunteer Fire Department, Volant Volunteer Fire Company, Wampum Volunteer Fire Department, Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Wurtemburg Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department will also benefit from these grants.

The grants 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. All companies that meet the requirements outlined by OSFC will receive funding. To receive their grants, companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC by July 1.

It is important to note that all funding for these grants comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming and not from General Fund tax revenue.

For more information, please contact Rick Leiner at 717.260.6437 or via email at Rleiner@pahousegop.com. More details can also be found on Representative Aaron Bernstine's website, RepBernstine.com.