Twenty-six fire and EMS organizations in the 122nd Legislative District were awarded nearly $329,000 in funding support through the 2020-21 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and Sen. John Yudichak (I-Luzerne/Carbon) announced earlier this month. The grant amounts range from $7,000 to $34,877.

“The men and women who selflessly serve as first responders are always there to answer the call, even when their financial resources are stretched to the limit,” Heffley said. “I am happy to see that so many departments applied for this funding, which helps them to continue their lifesaving work in communities across Carbon County.”

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training and education, recruitment and retention, or debt reduction. This year, funds may also be used to supplement operational expenses incurred by the lack of fundraising opportunities resulting from the pandemic.

“Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit our volunteer fire companies and emergency services organizations hard. This funding announcement ensures our volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel are able to purchase upgraded equipment and receive the latest education and training, as well as supplement expenses from the lack of fundraising opportunities,” said Yudichak. “Our first responders perform risks that protect our communities daily and it’s critical that we make sure this funding continues to be available.”

Following is a list of fire and EMS organizations in the 122nd Legislative District that received grants:

Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company - $12,054.98

American Fire Company No. 1 - $12,411.47

Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company - $12,054.98

Beaver Meadows Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $12,411.47

Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company - $12,054.98

Citizens Fire Company No. 1 of Weatherly – $12,233.23

Diligent Fire Company No. 3 - $11,520.24

East Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company - $11,698.48

Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $13,659.21

Hauto Volunteer Fire Company - $12,054.98

Lake Harmony Rescue and Ambulance Squad - $8,993.20

Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company Inc. - $12,767.97

Lehigh and Lausanne Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company - $12,233.23

Lehighton Ambulance Association Inc. - $8,993.20

Lehighton Fire Department - $15,000.00

Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association Inc. - $8,567.97

Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Inc. - $13,124.46

Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1 - $15,000

New Columbus Fire Company Inc. - $12,233.23

Onoko Fire and Rescue - $34,876.73

Palmerton Community Ambulance Association Inc. - $8,993.20

Palmerton Municipal Fire Department Support Team - $12,233.23

Parryville Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 - $7,000

Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 - $12,411.47

Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $12,233.23

Towamensing Township Volunteer Fire Company - $12,054.98

All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, and not General Fund tax revenue. The ongoing funding program was created by the Legislature.