State Senator Lisa M. Boscola has announced that 32 grants were approved for fire departments and emergency medical services providers in the 18th Senatorial District totaling $484,234 through the 2024-25 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

“It is extremely important that our Commonwealth continue to provide critical financial assistance to the most vital organizations in our local communities: our fire and emergency medical services providers,” Boscola said.

In accordance with program guidelines for the 2024-25 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 include:

• City of Bethlehem – Fire - $16,322.02

• City of Bethlehem – EMS – $14,296

• Dewey Fire Company No 1 – Fire - $15,676.48

• Dewey Fire Company No 1 – EMS - $15,000

• Lower Saucon Fire Rescue - $52,322.02

• Nancy Run Fire Company of Butztown - $8,394

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill said the Office of the State Fire Commissioner awarded almost $111,000 to help firefighters and EMS providers in her district.

“Fire and EMS companies and first responders in general are the backbone of our community,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “The more funding we provide them, the more prepared they are to ensure that we in the 133rd Legislative District are safe. Not to mention, these workers are always facing challenges. This funding will help them overcome the many obstacles they face.”

Local grants include:

• Catasauqua Fire Depar – ment – $15,461.31

• Coplay Fire Department – $14,600.59

• Egypt Fire Company No. 1 Whitehall Fire Department – $14,170.24

• International Association of Fire Fighters Lehigh-Northampton Airport – $14,170.24

• Hokendauqua Fire Company – $13,955.06

• Fullerton Fire Company No. 1 – $13,524.70

• Fountain Hill Fire Company – $12,663.99

• Han-Le-Co Volunteer Fire Co. 1 – $12,018.46

Companies have until May 30 to submit their 2024-25 FCEMS Grant Agreements. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online at osfc.pa.gov/ or by contacting Senator Boscola’s office at 610-868-8667.

-Contributed article