Pa. fire, EMS companies awarded $1.4M in grants

The revenue will go towards numerous projects, including upgrading equipment and training

The Standard-Speaker

SCHUYLKILL, Pa. — Fire and ambulance companies in Schuylkill County were awarded more than $1.4 million from the state’s Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

Money for the program comes from state gaming revenue.

Fire companies were eligible for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $15,000; if the companies merged, they were eligible for more money. Volunteer ambulance companies were eligible for a minimum of $2,500 and a maximum of $10,000.

Eligible projects include repairs to firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; debt reduction; training and certification of members; construction or renovation of a fire company or ambulance facility; or buying or repairing necessary fixtures for service.

McAdoo Fire Company Inc. was awarded $25,289.79, the largest grant in the county. Chief Bob Leshko said the money would be used on an engine and ladder truck.

Leshko said the money means less time the firefighters have to devote to fundraisers.

“It’s a tremendous help,” he said.

The company received $15,000 for itself, with the remaining funds awarded to the former Keystone Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, McAdoo. The two companies merged in June 2015. The merger also included Tresckow Fire Company in Carbon County.

Mahanoy City Emergency Medical Services received $4,735.70. Each receiving a grant of $7,201.70 were Girardville Ambulance Service, Lost Creek Community Ambulance Association, McAdoo Fire Co. Ambulance Association, Nuremberg Community Ambulance Association, Ringtown Community Ambulance, Ryan Township Emergency and Rescue, Shenandoah Community Ambulance and Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association.

Other grant recipients in Schuylkill County include:

Quakake Volunteer Fire Company Inc., $11,511.46; Hometown Fire Company No. 1, $11,967.12; Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Co., $12,650.62; Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $12,878.46; Polish American Fire Company, Shenandoah, $13,106.29; Washington Hook & Ladder No. 1, Mahanoy City, $13,561.96; Ryan Township Fire Company, $13,789.79; Sheppton-Oneida Volunteer Fire Company, $13,789.79.