From staff reports
Various fire and ambulance companies within the 63rd District will share nearly $350,000 in grant funding through the state’s annual Fire and Company/Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, state Rep. Donna Oberlander announced.
The funding can be used to construct or renovate a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair equipment, conduct training exercises or reduce existing debt, according to a news release from Oberlander’s office.
Clarion County first responders receiving funds are Callensburg-Licking Township Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000; Clarion Fire and Hose Company No. 1, $15,000; East Brady Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000; Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000; Hawthorn Area Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000; Knox Area Volunteer Ambulance Company, $7,084; Knox Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000; Limestone Township Volunteer Fire Company, $14,580; New Bethlehem Fire Company No. 1, $15,000; Rimersburg Hose Company, $15,000; Shippenville-Elk Township Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000; Sligo Volunteer Fire Department Inc., $15,000; Southern Clarion County Volunteer Ambulance Service, $8,325; St. Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company, $12,104; Strattanville Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000.
In Forest County, Marienville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $15,000.
“The pandemic put an even greater strain on our fire and EMS companies, not just because of the additional measures they’ve taken to ensure greater health and safety but also to care for those within our communities,” Oberlander said.
“On top of the services they’ve provided, their ability to raise funds was severely hampered within some companies having to go months without their typical fundraisers. That’s why I am glad to see our local volunteers applying for these grants, because I know they will be put to good use.”