Matzie announces nearly $234,000 in fire, EMS grants

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 15 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16th Legislative District were awarded $233,498 in grants to fund equipment, training, facility repairs and other expenses, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said 13 fire and EMS companies are receiving grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

“Our fire and EMS companies continue to struggle with tight budgets, demanding operating expenses and constant recruitment and retention issues,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help our departments ensure that the first responders who perform such critical work for our community have the equipment, training and facilities they need to stay safe.”

Matzie said the following grants were awarded:

Ambridge Borough Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,034.
Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,785.
Baden Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $16,952.
Center Township Fire House No. 2 – $14,229.
Center Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Co. No. 1 – $15,000.
Center Township Volunteer Fire Dept. Co. No. 3 – $13,645.
City of Aliquippa/DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – Fire Company, $15,201.
Conway Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $15,007.
Freedom Volunteer Fire Department  – Fire Company, $13,062.
Harmony Township Volunteer Firemen Inc. – Fire Company, $16,174.
Hopewell Township Volunteer Fire Department – Fire Company, $14,812.
Monaca Fire – Fire Company, $40,618.
Rochester Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 – Fire Company, $28,979.

The Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and covers projects including facility construction and renovation; equipment purchase or repair; debt reduction; training and certification of members; and recruitment and retention; among other projects. More about the program is available here:
https://www.osfc.pa.gov/GrantsandLoans/Volunteer%20Fire%20Company%20And%20Ambulance%20Grants/Pages/default.aspx.