Burns announces nearly $250,000 in local fire department, EMS grants

Rep. Frank Burns February 8, 2017 | 2:52 PM

EBENSBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has announced the award of $248,975 in state grants to 19 fire and ambulance companies in the 72nd Legislative District.

The grants 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.

“Our fire departments and EMS providers perform vital work in our communities,” Burns said. “It’s also hard and dangerous work, as I found out when suiting up for a Cambria County Fire School training session. As someone who’s stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them for a taste of what they go through, I am proud to announce this funding to aid their continued operations.”

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. He urged any department that needs help with this requirement to contact his nearest district office.

The grant list – by department and entity – is as follows.

Ashville Fire Company – Fire Company, $14,159.

Cambria Township Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $14,417.

Carrolltown Fire Company – Fire Company, $12,101.

Cresson Area Ambulance Service Inc. – EMS, $7,448.

Cresson Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000.

Dauntless Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000.

East Taylor Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $14,931.

Gallitzin Fire Company No. 1 – Fire Company, $14,417.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company – EMS, $7,448.

John Carroll Area Ambulance Service – EMS, $7,448.