Venkat announces nearly $150,000 for local fire departments and EMS agencies

Grants to be used to fund equipment, training and recruitment

Rep. Arvind Venkat    February 8, 2023 | 10:44 AM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – Furthering his promise to prioritize investing in first responders, state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, announced today that $143,233.27 in state grants have been awarded to multiple fire departments and EMS agencies serving McCandless, Franklin Park, Ohio Township, Kilbuck, Emsworth, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and Hampton Township.

“Having capable and well-prepared fire departments and EMS agencies saves lives,” Venkat said. “Firefighters do a lot for our communities whether it be fighting fires and saving homes and businesses from being destroyed or administering first aid during medical emergencies. EMS professionals treat the ill and injured in challenging circumstances.

“Fire departments and emergency responders, just like every other emergency service agency, had it hard during their front-line work throughout the pandemic.” he said. “Some departments have trouble purchasing equipment due to tight budgets or the rise of equipment costs, meaning that this funding will help in providing them with the right tools to keep our community safe.”

Venkat said 11 fire departments and EMS agencies serving the communities of the 30th Legislative District will receive funding under the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. They are:

  • Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000.
  • North Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000.
  • Ross West View EMS Authority, $25,000.
  • Highland Firemans Association, $14,808.81.
  • Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company of Allegheny County, $14,071.92.
  • Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company No. 2: $13,665.
  • Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department, $12,843.77.
  • Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $12,843.77.
  • McCandless Franklin Park Ambulance Authority, $10,000.
  • Shaler Hampton Area Emergency Medical Services, $10,000.

The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Funding may be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Fire companies were also permitted to apply for savings accounts for new facility construction.

More about the funding is available here.