Berks County News

Feb. 15, 2024 - Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) announced this week that over $336,000 in grant money has been awarded to fire companies and emergency medical services in the 130th District. The funds will be used to support building projects, equipment purchases or repairs, training, and debt reduction.

The grants were made possible through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding for the program comes from the proceeds generated by slot machine gaming.

"In Pennsylvania, volunteers are a huge part of this safety net - 97% of Pennsylvania residents rely upon volunteer first responders for fire protection and emergency medical services," said Rep. Maloney. "I am a strong supporter of our first responders and the services they provide to our communities."

The grants awarded to the fire and emergency response organizations in the 130th District are as follows:

- Community Fire Company of Seisholtzville - $14,423.

- Community Fire Company Virginville - $14,034.

- Bally Community Ambulance Association - $15,000.

- Blandon Fire Company No. 1 - $15,395.

- Boyertown Area Fire and Rescue Inc. - $42,368.

- Boyertown Lions Community Ambulance Service Inc. - $15,000.

- Earl Township Volunteer Fire Company - $14,423.

- Eastern Berks Fire Department - $42,951.

- Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department - $29,951.

- Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $16,562.

- Hereford Fire Company - $15,006.

- Lyons Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $14,228.

- Oley Fire Company - $16,757.

- Oley Fire Company EMS - $15,000.

- Ruscombmanor Fire Company No. 1 - $13,061.

- Topton Community Ambulance Service - $15,000.

- Topton Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 - $14,183.

- Walnuttown Fire Company No. 1 - $13,450.

These grants will provide much-needed support to the first responders in the 130th District, enabling them to continue their vital services to the community. The funds will go towards improving infrastructure, purchasing new equipment, and ensuring the training and preparedness of the firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

Rep. Maloney expressed his gratitude to the first responders for their dedication and sacrifice, stating, "I am pleased to announce that fire and emergency response organizations in the 130th District were awarded $336,792 in funding through the grant program."

The importance of volunteer first responders cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. These grants will go a long way in supporting their efforts and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.

For more information, please contact Charles Lardner at 717.260.6443 or clardner@pahousegop.com.