Six fire and emergency medical service organizations in Schuylkill County have been awarded a combined $1,196,541.44 in federal grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, Congressman Dan Meuser announced.
The Schuylkill County awards are part of approximately $2.8 million in funding distributed to 11 fire and EMS organizations across Pennsylvania’s Ninth Congressional District.
Friendship Fire Company of Englewood in Frackville received the largest Schuylkill County award at $534,952.72. Washington Fire Co. Number 1 in Ashland was awarded $328,571.42, while Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association received $223,636.36.
Schuylkill County Fire and EMS Grant Recipients
| Organization | Community | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friendship Fire Company of Englewood | Frackville | $534,952.72 |
| Washington Fire Co. Number 1 | Ashland | $328,571.42 |
| Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association | Shenandoah | $223,636.36 |
| Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance, Inc. | Ashland | $54,285.71 |
| William Penn Fire Co. 1 | Shenandoah | $36,666.66 |
| Sheppton-Oneida Fire Co. | Sheppton | $18,428.57 |
| Total Schuylkill County Funding | $1,196,541.44 | |
How the Federal Grant Funding Can Be Used
According to Meuser’s announcement, the funded projects will support professional training, personal protective equipment, facility modifications, firefighting and emergency response apparatus, including fire trucks, and supplies supporting firefighting and nonaffiliated EMS operations.
The announcement did not identify the specific project funded at each Schuylkill County organization.
“In addition to being the first to respond when fires, accidents, and disasters threaten lives and property, firefighters also provide assistance during medical emergencies, rescue operations, and other dangerous situations,” Meuser said.
Meuser also pointed to the community fundraising efforts that help support volunteer fire companies.
“Much of the funding for volunteer fire companies comes from residents through charity carnivals and other private donations,” Meuser said. “I’m pleased to play a role in securing funding for fire departments throughout our district to obtain the equipment, training, and facilities they need to do the job. Thank you to all our firefighters and everyone who supports their lifesaving work.”
Other Grant Recipients in Pennsylvania’s Ninth District
- Mildred Volunteer Fire Department, Sullivan County: $571,428
- Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Company, Lebanon County: $428,346
- Dorrance Township Volunteer Fire Department, Luzerne County: $342,346
- Noxen Volunteer Fire Company, Wyoming County: $141,503
- Stonington Volunteer Fire Company, Northumberland County: $120,414
About the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
FEMA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, administers the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
The competitive program provides grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies to improve public and first responder safety.