Burns works to support local firefighters, EMS with $275,766in funding

Grants can be used for equipment, training or other needs

Rep. Frank Burns    January 17, 2020 | 4:27 PM

EBENSBURG, Jan. 17 – More than $275,000 in state funding was awarded Friday to help local fire and EMS companies purchase equipment, maintain their facilities and train first responders, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced.

“Our local fire fighters and EMS are the critical backbone of our communities. When we need help, they always have our back, and I will always work to have theirs,” Burns said. “As someone who has suited up for a Cambria County Fire School training session, I’ve had a taste of what they go through when they answer the call – and I will continue to fight to make sure they have the equipment and training they need to do so.”

Earlier this year Burns also helped push a bipartisan effort to enact sweeping legislation to support volunteer fire and EMS agencies as they combat a critical volunteer shortage across the state.

The package of 23 bills included legislation that would enact tuition assistance and loan forgiveness, as well as increase access to mental health care for volunteer first responders who suffer from trauma.

“Our volunteer EMTs and firefighters fight to save the lives of their fellow community members that they typically do not even know. That is what it truly means to be a hero,” Burns said. “I’m proud to support them and efforts to repay them for their hard work and dedication.”

The grants awarded Friday are made possible by the Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program, and can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. The money also can be applied toward purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or it may go to repay debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance.

Burns noted that recipients still need to complete and return original signed copies of their grant agreements by May 31 in order to receive their money. They are also required to actively reporting to PENNFIRs. He urged any department that needs help with this requirement to contact his Portage district office at 814-736-7339.

The full list of departments in Burns’ district that were awarded grants and the amounts follows:

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