More than $390,000 in state grants has been awarded to fire and emergency medical services organizations in Carbon County, according to an announcement by Rep. Doyle Heffley and Sen. Dave Argall. The funding comes from a grant program managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC), which is financed through state gaming revenue.
“I’m happy to see these dollars support vital services in Carbon County,” said Heffley. “Our volunteer fire companies and EMS providers often operate on very limited budgets. This funding will help support our first responders with important needs and help to save lives.”
Sen. Argall also commented on the importance of the grants: “I’m thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds. These grants are well-deserved and will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs.”
A total of $390,063 was distributed among several organizations throughout Carbon County. Grants ranged from about $12,000 to over $24,000 for each recipient. Some of the organizations receiving funds include Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company, Lake Harmony Rescue and Ambulance Squad, Lehighton Ambulance Association Inc., Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association Inc., Onoko Fire and Rescue, and Palmerton Community Ambulance Association Inc.
Eligible projects for this grant funding include facility construction or renovation, equipment purchase or repair, training programs, recruitment efforts, fire safety education initiatives, or debt reduction measures for the organizations.
All applicants that meet OSFC’s requirements receive funding but must file a grant agreement before funds are disbursed.
