Haddock welcomes $340,000 in fire, EMS grants

HARRISBURG, Feb. 16 – State Rep. Jim Haddock said 21 local fire and EMS organizations recently were awarded state grants totaling $340,379.

“Emergency responders deserve our heartfelt recognition because they keep us safe, and we can go to sleep each night knowing they are on call if we need them in an emergency,” said Haddock, D-Luzerne/Lackawanna. “But they also need state-of-the-art equipment and valuable training to do their jobs and these grants will help to make that happen.”

The funds are from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner.

“During the governor’s budget address last week, I was pleased to hear him propose increasing the amount of money going to this program to $60 million,” he said.

Haddock said the money can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies are permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction.

Local recipients include:

  • Avoca Ambulance Association: $15,000.
  • Avoca Hose Co. No. 1: $15,395.
  • City of Bureau of Fire: $14,423.
  • Dalton Fire Co.: $14,228.
  • Dupont Volunteer Hose Co. No. 1: $13,256.
  • Eagle Hose Co. No. 1: $14,377.
  • Eagle McClure Hose Co. No.1 Station 93-3: $15,590.
  • Excelsior Hose Co. No. 2: $15,979.
  • Germania Hose Co.: $15,395.
  • Greater Pittston Ambulance & Rescue Association: $45,000.
  • Greenwood Hose Co. No. 1: $16,951.
  • Hughestown Hose Co. No. 1 fire: $14,812. 
  • Hughestown Hose Co. No. 1 EMS: $15,000.
  • Jenkins Township Volunteer Hose Co.: $12,859.
  • Laflin Volunteer Fire Department: $14,228.
  • Lawrence Hose Co. No. 1: $14,423.
  • Old Forge Hose and Engine Co.: $14,423.
  • Pittston Township Ambulance Association: $15,000.
  • Pittston Township Volunteer Fire Department: $14,812.
  • Taylor Fire and Rescue: $15,000.
  • West Pittston Hose Co. No. 1: $14,228.