Burns announces $200,000 state loan to Portage Volunteer Fire Co.

Funds help secure new pumper truck

PORTAGE, May 3 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has notified the Portage Volunteer Fire Co. that it is receiving a low-interest, $200,000 loan from the Office of State Fire Commissioner to purchase a new pumper truck.

Burns said the state funds will enable the fire company to obtain the 2016 Sutphen Monarch Pumper, which is equipped with a 500-gallon tank and 2,000-gallons-per-minute pump.

“I am proud to represent you in the 72nd Legislative District,” Burns wrote to Portage Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Jeremy Shuniak, in a letter notifying him of the award. “I know how important this grant is to you, and I wish you the best of luck with this and all future projects.”

Burns also told Shuniak that the fire company will be receiving a packet of information regarding the loan finalization procedure, including a settlement date and time.