Northern Tier News

Fourteen fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in Wyoming County have been awarded over $201,000 in funding through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. Representative Tina Pickett, who represents the Bradford/Wyoming district, made the announcement today, expressing her pleasure at the companies benefiting from the state program.

Pickett stated, "I am pleased to see that so many Wyoming County fire and EMS companies continue to take advantage of this state program which helps to ease their financial burden. The life-saving services they provide to our local communities are much appreciated."

The grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not from General Fund tax revenue. The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly and aims to provide support to fire and EMS companies in Pennsylvania.

The grant amounts awarded to the Wyoming County companies are as follows:

- Factoryville Fire Company (fire) - $14,423

- Factoryville Fire Company (EMS) - $10,000

- FWM Emergency Squad Inc. - $15,000

- Lake Carey Volunteer Fire Company - $14,229

- Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (fire) - $16,174

- Lake Winola Fire Company 1 (EMS) - $15,000

- Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (fire) - $15,590

- Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Company (EMS) - $15,000

- Nicholson Fire Company No. 1 - $13,256

- Northmoreland Township Volunteer Fire Company - $14,618

- Noxen Community Ambulance Association - $15,000

- Noxen Volunteer Fire Company - $13,645

- Triton Hose Company No. 1 - $15,979

- Tunkhannock Community Ambulance Association - $13,500

The funding will be used for various projects such as the construction or renovation of fire or ambulance company facilities, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

The recipients of the grants must file their grant agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner before July 1 to receive the funding. The grants aim to provide financial support to these essential services in Wyoming County, ensuring they can continue to serve and protect their local communities.

The Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is a valuable resource for fire and EMS companies across the state. It demonstrates the commitment of the General Assembly to support these vital services and acknowledges the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania residents.

Wyoming County can be proud of the dedication and commitment of its fire and EMS companies, as well as the financial support they receive through programs like this. The grants awarded to these companies will undoubtedly contribute to their ability to provide high-quality emergency services to the community.

Source: Representative Tina Pickett, Pennsylvania House of Representatives