BRADFORD – Fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $492,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced today.

“With fire and EMS companies struggling to keep their doors open, these grants go a long way toward helping to meet their financial needs,” Causer said. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who work so hard to protect our communities, and I am pleased we can continue to support them with this valuable funding.”

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue.

Since its inception, the program has provided more than $8.7 million in funding to fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. Projects eligible for funding include the construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, the purchase or repair of equipment, training, or the reduction of existing debt.

Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards. All companies that apply and meet the requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OFSC to receive their grants.

Cameron County

• Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc., Emporium – $10,000.
• Emporium Fire Department Inc., Emporium – $13,061.55.

McKean County

• Bradford City Fire Department, Bradford – $15,000 for EMS operations; $16,951.99 for fire company operations.
• Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $16,951.99.
• Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $13,645.11.
• Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $13,645.11.
• Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Eldred – $13,061.55.
• Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department of McKean County, Eldred – $13,256.07.
• Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department, Cyclone – $13,256.07.
• Kane Volunteer Fire Department, Kane – $13,061.55.
• Lafayette Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $13,450.59.
• Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $13,061.55.
• Mount Jewett Area Ambulance Association, Mount Jewett – $15,000.
• Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Jewett – $13,256.07.
• Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department, Duke Center – $13,061.55.
• Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $10,000.
• Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $13,450.59.
• Smethport Fire Department Inc., Smethport – $13,839.63.

Potter County

• Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $15,000 for EMS operations; $15,006.77 for fire company operations.
• Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport – $15,000.
• Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $15,784.85.
• Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $15,000 for EMS services.
• Genesee Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Genesee – $15,000 for EMS operations; $13,061.55 for fire company operations.
• Germania Fire Company, Galeton – $13,061.55.
• Goodyear Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $13,645.11.
• Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley – $14,617.72.
• Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $4,853.
• Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $13,061.55.
• Roulette Chemical Engine No. 1 Inc., Roulette – $15,000 for EMS operations; $13,645.11 for fire company operations.
• Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $13,645.11.
• Tri-Town Ambulance Association Inc. – $15,000.
• Tri-Town Fire Company, Ulysses – $14,617.72.