Berks County News

Rep. Jamie Barton has announced that fire and ambulance companies in Pennsylvania's 124th Legislative District will receive a total of $406,084 in state grants. The funding is aimed at supporting their public safety efforts.

“I’ve met with many EMTs, paramedics and firefighters, and I know they stand ready to help the rest of us at a moment’s notice,” said Barton. “They’ve made it clear to me that in order for them to continue their brave service, they need help, so getting this funding to our first responders is important for everyone.”

The grants are part of an ongoing program established by the Legislature and managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). Funding is sourced from slot machine gaming proceeds rather than General Fund tax revenue.

Eligible projects for this funding include construction or renovation of facilities, equipment purchase or repair, training, or debt reduction. Companies must apply and meet OSFC requirements to receive funds and file a grant agreement with OFSC.

The following allocations have been made: Hamburg Emergency Medical Services Inc.: $15,000; Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Crew Inc.: $13,061.55; Kempton Fire Company Inc.: $16,757.46; Kutztown Fire and Rescue Inc.: $15,590.33; Shartlesville Community Fire Company No. 1: $15,006.77; Strausstown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $14,228.68; Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg: $15,201.29; American Hose Company No. 1: $16,951.99; Auburn Fire Company: $13,061.55; Auburn Fire Company Ambulance Service: $15,000; Citizens Fire Company No. 1: $15,784.85; Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $15,006.77; Community Fire Company New Ringgold: $13,645.11; Community Fire Company No. 1 of Landingville: $13,450.59; Deer Lake and West Brunswick Fire Company No. 1: $15,201.29; Delano Fire Company No. 1: $13,450.59; Friendship Hose Company No. 1: $14,812.24; Hometown Fire Company No. 1: $26,450.59; Mary D Fire Company Inc.: $26,645.11; New England Fire Company No .1 :$15 ,590 .33 ;No .1 Emergency and Rescue Squad:$14 ,034 .16 ;Penn Mahoning Ambulance Association Inc.:$15 ,000 ;Ryan Township Emergency and Rescue Squad Inc.:$10 ,000 ;Ryan TownshipFireCompany:$16 ,951 .99 ;South WardFireCompanyInc.:$15201 .29 ;TamaquaCommunityAmbulanceAssociationInc.:$15000 .