Local First Responders Win $687,107 in State Grants
HARRISBURG PA – Thirty-seven local fire departments and companies, and another 10 emergency medical services (EMS) units across western Montgomery, eastern Berks, and northern Chester counties won a combined total of $687,107 in grants Monday (Feb. 6, 2023) from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, it announced.
The money was part of about $31 million in grants distributed statewide by acting Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook to applicants for Pennsylvania’s annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. The support “is much needed for our responders, and the communities they work tirelessly to protect,” he said.
Awarded locally in Montgomery County
Twenty-four Montgomery County fire units, and seven EMS responders, received a total of $465,148.
The top three fire company recipients were Lower Frederick Fire Co., $28,274; New Hanover Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services, $28,274; and Limerick Fire Department, $28,028.
Seventeen fire companies received $15,000 each. They were Black Rock Volunteer Fire Co., Collegeville Fire Co. No. 1, East Greenville Fire Co. No. 1, Gilbertsville Fire and Rescue Co., Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 of Pottstown, Harleysville Community Fire Co., North End Fire Co. No. 1 of Pottstown, Pennsburg Fire Co. No. 1, Perkiomen Township Fire Co. No. 1, Red Hill Fire Co., Royersford Fire Department, Sanatoga Fire Co., Skippack Fire Co., Trappe Fire Co. No. 1, Upper Frederick Fire Co., Upper Pottsgrove Township Fire Co. No. 1, and Worcester Volunteer Fire Department.
Also winning fire grants were Ringing Hill Fire Co., $14,959; Upper Salford Volunteer Fire Co., $14,527; Green Lane Fire Co., $13,089; and Upper Providence Township Department of Fire & Emergency, $13,089.
Seven EMS units received $10,000 each. They were Friendship Ambulance of Royersford, Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service, Goodwill Steam Fire Engine Co. No 1. of Pottstown, Harleysville Area Emergency Medical Service Inc., Skippack Emergency Medical Services Inc., Trappe Fire Co. No 1, and Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association.
Awarded locally in Berks County
Seven Berks County fire units, and two EMS responders, received a total of $125,535. The top fire company recipient was Boyertown Area Fire & Rescue Inc., for $38,791.
Three fire units received $15,000 each. They were Amity Fire Co., Birdsboro-Union Fire Department, and Eastern Berks Fire Department.
Also winning fire grants were Hereford Fire Co, $14,318; Gibraltar Fire Co. of Birdsboro, $13,826; and
Earl Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, $13,581.
Two EMS units received $10,000 each. They were Bally Community Ambulance Assoc., and Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Service Inc.
Awarded locally in Chester County
Six Chester County fire units, and one EMS responder, received a total of $96,424.
Four fire units received $15,000 each. They were Kimberton Fire Co., Phoenix Hose Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, Ridge Fire Co. of Spring City, and Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Co. Also receiving grants were Friendship Diving Rescue Unit of Phoenixville, $13,335; and Norco Fire Co., $13,089.
One EMS unit, Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Co. received $10,000.
Grants are specifically intended for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. They can be used for a variety of eligible projects: facility upgrades, equipment, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Grant amounts varied depending on how departments met state eligibility requirements.
The entire 41-page grant list is available online.
Photo by Andrew Gaines on Unsplash, used under license
