Matzie announces more than $261,000 in fire grants

Awarded to offset COVID-19-related expenses

Rep. Robert Matzie    October 9, 2020 | 1:12 PM

AMBRIDGE, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Rob Matzie announced that 11 fire companies in his district will receive $261,012 in state grants for operational expenses incurred as a result of COVID-19. 

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said the grants awarded by the Office of State Fire Commissioner are needed to offset the additional financial burdens created by the pandemic.

“Even under the best of times, our fire and rescue workers are forced to operate on shoestring budgets, but the pandemic has complicated things a hundred-fold,” Matzie said. “Rescue operations involve a higher degree of risk, and first responders are facing situations requiring additional protective equipment and other resources. At the same time, restrictions on social gatherings have dried up sources of fundraising.

“Securing these grants should help ease the burden on these frontline heroes so they can continue their lifesaving work while staying safe themselves.”

Matzie said the following fire companies will receive the following amounts:

Allegheny County

  • Leetsdale Fire Department - $23,151.

Beaver County

  • Aliquippa Bureau of Fire - $24,247.
  • Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department - $24,110.
  • Baden Volunteer Fire Department - $25,205.
  • Conway Volunteer Fire Department - $23,973.
  • Economy Volunteer Fireman’s Association - $24,794.
  • Hopewell Township Volunteer Fire Department - $23,151.
  • Monaca #4 Volunteer Fire Department - $23,425.
  • Monaca #5 Volunteer Fire Department - $11,094.
  • Monaca Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 Inc. - $21,020.
  • Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 - $36,842.

Matzie said the funding may be used for operational expenses such as apparatus repair, fuel, personal protective equipment, utilities, insurance and lost revenue related to pandemic restrictions. It may also be used for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting equipment and property or other expenses needed to prevent the spread of disease.

The funds must be used for expenses initiated on or after March 6 and completed on or before Dec. 30 to be eligible for the grant program.

Additional information about the grants is available here.