HOLLIDAYSBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Rep. Scott Barger (R-80) today announced the awarding of more than $245,000 in funding to local fire departments and emergency medical services in Blair County through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.
“These annual grant awards support the needs of our Fire and EMS providers so they are equipped to help those who call on them in times of desperate need,” said Ward. “Our first responders play such a vital role, especially in our rural communities, and are appreciated for their dedication and hard work.”
“Our first responders, particularly those with all-volunteer departments, not only serve their friends and neighbors by providing life- and property-saving interventions, but they are spending more and more time training, fundraising and handling administrative functions,” said Barger. “These grants are a small way to show our thankfulness and ease that burden for them.”
The following departments/companies received funding:
- Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Company: $13,524.70
- Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Company: $15,246.13
- Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $15,676.48
- Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company: $14,170.24
- Duncansville Emergency Medical Services Inc.: $15,000.00
- Duncansville Fire Company: $13,094.35
- Excelsior Fire Company No. 1: $16,322.02
- Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company: $13,739.88
- Friendship Fire Company No. 1 Inc.: $16,322.02
- Geeseytown Community Fire Company: $14,170.24
- Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service Inc.: $15,000.00
- Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $16,322.02
- Neptune Steam Fire Company No. 1: $14,385.41
- Phoenix Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1: $13,524.70
- Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company: $12,663.99
- Sinking Valley Volunteer Fire Company: $12,233.63
- Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $14,170.24
The grant funding used to further the mission of providing emergency services. Particularly, the funding must be used for facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training and education. In addition, career departments can use the funding for overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (Twitter) @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
Residents can follow Barger on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/repbarger for news about legislation and the 80th House District. Contact information for his district offices and other information can be found on his website at repbarger.com, and constituents also can sign up for his e-newsletter at repbarger.com/contact.
Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421
Barger contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6335