State Senator Lisa M. Boscola announced Feb. 16 that 29 fire departments and emergency medical services providers in the 18th Senatorial District will be awarded $456,776 through the 2023-24 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

“I am pleased to announce these state grants that provide critical financial assistance to the most vital organizations in our local communities: our fire and emergency medical services providers,” Boscola said. “Our fire departments and EMS provide essential services throughout our local communities that protect our citizens who are in need of their services.”

In accordance with program guidelines for 2023-24 program, eligible projects for funding include facility construction or renovation, equipment, debt reduction, training, education, recruitment and retention, construction savings account (fire companies only), and overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only).

Grants approved in Senator Boscola’s District are as follows:

• City of Bethlehem – Fire - $16,951.99

• City of Bethlehem – EMS - $14,949

• Blue Valley Rescue Squad - $13,061.55

• City of Easton Fire Department - $16,951.99

• Columbia Fire Company - $13,061.55

• Dewey Fire Company No 1 - $16,562.94

• East Bangor Vol Fire Co - $13,256.07

• Easton Emergency Squad - $10,000

• Freemansburg Fire Company No 1 - $14,617.72

• Hecktown Volunteer Fire Company No 1 - $15,000

• Liberty Fire CPNY - $13,061.55

• Lookout Fire Company No 1 - $13,061.55

• Lower Mount Bethel/Sandts Eddy Fire Co - $13,061.55

• Lower Saucon Fire Rescue - $55,951.99

• Mount Bethel Vol Fire Company, Inc - $14,034.16

• North Bangor Fire Company - $13,450.59

• Palmer Municipal Fire Department - $16,951.99

• Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Co - $15,979.38

• Portland Hook & Ladder Co #1 - $13,061.55

• Rescue Fire Company #1 - $13,450.59

• Second Ward Fire Company - $13,450.59

• Suburban EMS Inc. - $14,725.00

• Tatamy Fire Company - $13,061.55

• Upper Nazareth Fire Department - $15,000

• Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company - $14,617.72

• West Easton Volunteer Fire Company No 1 - $13,839.63

• Williams Township Fire Company #1 - $14,812.24

• Wilson Borough Fire Department - $116,951.99

• Wind Gap Fire Company - $13,839.63

Companies have until July 1, 2024, to submit their 2023-24 FCEMS Grant Agreements. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online atosfc.pa.gov/ or by contacting Senator Boscola’s office at (610) 868-8667.

Contributed article