Mar. 19, 2019
HARRISBURG – Fire departments and ambulance associations in Blair County have been awarded more than $270,000 to tackle capital projects, train personnel and reduce debt, Reps. Lou Schmitt (R-Altoona) and Jim Gregory (R-Hollidaysburg) announced today.
“Our first responders, many of whom are volunteers, work tirelessly to support our communities. These grants are one way we can express are gratitude for what they do,” said Gregory. “I am thankful for the men and women who serve others.”
The grant funding from slot-machine proceeds is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner. No tax dollars are used.
“We are grateful for the life-saving services these dedicated firefighters provide for our communities,” said Schmitt. “I am pleased we are able to assist these hard-working groups with additional funding support from the state.”
The 2018-19 grants can be used for construction or renovation of a station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction.
The following Blair County fire and EMS companies in the 80th District received grants.
• Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Co. -- $12,667.
• Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Co. -- $13,986.
• Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. -- $14,811.
• City of Altoona Fire Department -- $14,811.
• Claysburg Volunteer Fire Co. -- $14,811.
• Duncansville Emergency Medical Services Inc. -- $7,155.
• Excelsior Fire Co. No. 1 -- $14,811.
• Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Co. -- $12,832.
• Friendship Fire Company No. 1 Inc. -- $13,986.
• Geeseytown Community Fire Co. -- $13,162.
• Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service Inc. -- $7,155.
• Lakemont Volunteer Fire Co. -- $14,481.
• Logan Township United Fire Department -- $26,311.
• Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 -- $14,811.
• Neptune Steam Fire Co. No. 1 -- $13,986.
• Newburg Fire Association -- $13,656.
• Phoenix Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 -- $12,337.
• Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Co. -- $12,007.
• Sinking Valley Volunteer Fire Co. -- $12,007.
• Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 -- $13,326.
Gregory and Schmitt remind companies they should file paperwork by the end of May to receive grants and retain eligibility through the Office of State Fire Commissioner.
Representative Lou Schmitt
79th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepLouSchmitt.com /
Facebook.com/RepSchmitt
Representative Jim Gregory
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepJimGregory.com /
Facebook.com/RepJimGregory