Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today announced that fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive nearly $325,000 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult for several reasons,” Owlett said. “As we work to adopt policies to encourage recruitment and retention of our first responders, these grants are a big help with the financial challenges our companies face.”

The grants are awarded through an ongoing program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. In order to receive funding, recipients must file a grant agreement with OSFC.

The grants were awarded as follows:

·         Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $12,233.63.

·         Blossburg Fireman’s Ambulance Association: $15,000.

·         Blossburg Volunteer Fire Department: $12,448.81.

·         Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Company: $12,448.81.

·         Crary Hose Company: $13,524.70.

·         Elkland Borough Volunteer Fire Department: $12,663.99.

·         Knoxville Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company: $13,094.35.

·         Lawrenceville Fire Department: $12,663.99.

·         Lawrenceville Fireman’s Ambulance Association Inc.: $15,000.

·         Liberty Volunteer Fire Company: $12,448.81.

·         Mansfield Firemen’s Ambulance Association: $15,000.

·         Mansfield Hose Company: $13,309.52.

·         Middlebury Ambulance Association Inc.: $15,000.

·         Middlebury Township Volunteer Fire Department Inc.: $12,663.99.

·         Millerton Volunteer Fire Department: $14,815.77.

·         Morris Fireman’s Ambulance Association Inc.: $15,000.

·         Morris Township Fire Company: $12,233.63.

·         Nelson Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $12,018.46.

·         Oscelola Volunteer Fire Department Inc.: $12,448.81.

·         Sabinsville Firemen’s Ambulance Association: $15,000.

·         Tioga Volunteer Fire Department Inc.: $12,018.46.

·         Tioga Volunteer Firemen’s Ambulance Association Inc.: $15,000.

·         Wellsboro Firemen’s Ambulance Association: $15,000.

·         Wellsboro Volunteer Fire Department: $13,739.88.