Fire and emergency medical services companies in the 176th Legislative District were collectively awarded more than $126,000 in funding support through the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, announced.

“I am grateful we can offer these state grants to our local fire and ambulance services, helping to ensure they can continue their essential, lifesaving work in communities throughout the 176th District,” Rader said.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training or reduction of existing debt.

The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly. Grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, not General Fund tax revenue.

The local grants are:

• Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company, $15,031.

• Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company, $12,234.

• Lehigh Valley Health Network Emergency Medical Services, $15,000.

• Pocono Mountain Regional EMS, $15,000.

• Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company, $13,525.

• Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company, $14,170.

• Tobyhanna Township Bureau of Fire — Station 44, $12,234.

• Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Company, $12,664.

• West End Fire Company of Brodheadsville, $16,322.

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC to receive their grants.