Feb 13, 2013 1 min read

Three Washington County volunteer fire companies are among those receiving money through a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

State Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Elizabeth, announced the grants of $12,307.80 to Elrama Volunteer Fire Company, $11,661.42 to Finleyville Volunteer Fire Department and $11,661.42 to New Eagle Volunteer Fire Department.

“Our local first responders work tirelessly to protect our communities,” said Saccone. “Yet they still must invest the vast majority of their time raising funds to keep their stations open due to significantly rising operating costs and ever-fluctuating levels of volunteers. This funding will go a long way toward helping these brave men and women to put out any necessary financial fires so they are properly equipped and prepared to handle real emergencies.”

All of the grant funding comes from the proceeds of slot-machine gambling, not general fund tax revenue. 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.