More than $115,000 in state grant funding will go to several volunteer fire and EMS units in Berks County, Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Carbon/Berks/Schuylkill) said last week.
The grant program recipients can use the funding to build, repair or renovate a fire company or ambulance service’s primary structure; purchase or repair firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; participate in training seminars and workshops; or pay down the organization’s debt.
“These grants are being awarded through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program,” Knowles explained. “Our volunteer firefighters serve crucial roles in our communities. Even though a few of these units are no longer physically in the 124th District due to reapportionment, they applied for this program in 2014 while they were part of the district that I represent. I’m very pleased that so many of our area units will receive this funding to help offset some of their costs.”
Knowles announced the following units and amounts:
Blandon Community Ambulance Inc., Blandon – $7,444.80
Blandon Fire Company No. 1, Blandon – $14,007.69
Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Fleetwood – $14,007.69
Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 EMS, Fleetwood – $7,444.80
Hamburg Emergency Medical Services Inc., Hamburg – $7,444.80
Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Crew Inc., Hamburg – $12,622.62
Kempton Fire Company Inc., Kempton – $14,284.70
Shoemakersville Fire Company No. 1, Shoemakersville – $12,899.64
Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg, Hamburg – $14,284.70
Walnuttown Fire Company No. 1, Fleetwood – $12,622.62
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue.
