Three fire companies in 72nd Legislative District receive funding for training, equipment related to fighting forest, brush fires
Rep. Frank Burns August 9, 2019 | 4:53 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 9 – Continuing his commitment to helping struggling local fire departments, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced that three fire companies in the 72nd Legislative District have been selected to receive state grants to help fund training and equipment related to fighting brush and forest fires.
Burns noted that he and state Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego heard first-hand from Cambria County firefighters about the challenges their departments face during a town hall meeting in May.
“Firefighters answer the call in our communities when no one else will. Instead of running from danger, they run toward it without hesitation. We need to do as much as possible to ensure they have the resources to remain safe and adequately respond to emergencies, and these grants will do just that,” Burns said.
Burns said Middle Taylor Township Vol. Fire Co. received $1,772; Portage Vol. Fire Co. No. 1 received $2,878; and Reade Township Vol. Fire Co. was awarded $4,000.
The grant program, offered through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Grants may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios; installing water supply equipment; wildfire prevention and mitigation work; training wildfire fighters; or converting and maintaining federal excess vehicles.
Burns said he also wanted to remind local fire companies that the grant application for the 2019-20 Fire Company, Emergency Medical Services Companies Grant Program begins in September, and that his office is available to assist local companies with their grant applications.