Markosek announces $116,350 in grants for fire, EMS companies
Funding can be used for equipment, training, other expenses
Rep. Brandon Markosek February 14, 2022 | 9:47 AM
MONROEVILLE, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced nine fire and EMS companies in the 25th Legislative District were awarded $116,350 in grants.
“We often take for granted that our first responders will be there when we need them most, but fire and EMS companies need our support so they can continue to answer the call,” Markosek said. “Constant challenges from the pandemic have put an extra strain on these heroes and their financial operations, which is why this funding is essential for them to continue extending life-saving services to our communities.”
The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The following amounts were awarded:
- Plum Emergency Medical Service Inc. - $8,325.
- Monroeville EMS Inc. - $8,325.05.
- Monroeville Vol Fire Co. No. 5 - $15,000.
- Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 4 - $15,000.
- Monroeville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 - $15,000.
- Pitcairn Fire Co. #1 - $12,708.
- West Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Department - $12,000.
- Wilmerding Volunteer Fire Department. - $15,000.
- United Volunteer Fire and Rescue Fire - $14,992.
The funding can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings accounts, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only), and revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts.
A full list of fire and EMS companies awarded grants statewide is available at this link: https://www.osfc.pa.gov/GrantsandLoans/Volunteer%20Fire%20Company%20And%20Ambulance%20Grants/Documents/2021-2022-FCEMSGP-Grant-Awards.pdf.
Earlier this week, Markosek voted to pass bipartisan legislation that will send $25 million in emergency funding to EMS companies across Pennsylvania and, during the pandemic, backed efforts to also get emergency grants to local fire and EMS companies.