North Lancaster News

Rep. Dave Zimmerman of Lancaster has announced the allocation of funds to local fire and emergency medical services organizations through the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. Zimmerman emphasized the importance of these services, stating, "Our fire and EMS companies are vital to our communities and the people who live and work in them." He noted that many of these companies operate on a volunteer basis with limited resources, making the grants both necessary and appreciated.

The funding is distributed as follows: Adamstown Fire Co Station 11 receives $16,951; Caernarvon Fire Company gets $16,951; Denver Fire Company No. 1 is awarded $16,951; Garden Spot Fire Rescue receives $29,951; Reamstown Fire Company No. 1 gets $10,000; Reinholds Community Ambulance Association is allocated $15,000; Reinholds Fire Company receives $13,645; Schoeneck Fire Company gets $13,256; Smokestown Fire Company No. 1 is awarded $14,617; Stevens Fire Company receives $13,061; Weaverland Valley Fire Department Station 30 gets $29,951; White Horse Fire Company EMS is allocated $15,000; and White Horse Fire Company receives $14,423.

Eligible projects for this funding include construction or renovation of facilities for fire or ambulance companies, equipment purchase or repair, training initiatives, or debt reduction. Companies must apply and meet criteria set by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) to qualify for funding. Additionally, they must file a grant agreement with OSFC to receive their grants.

This ongoing grant program was established by the Legislature and is managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency along with OSFC. The funding originates from slot machine gaming proceeds rather than General Fund tax revenue.