Watro, Argall Announce Grants for Fire, EMS Companies in Luzerne, Schuylkill Counties

February 11, 2025

HARRISBURG – Twenty-nine fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in the 116th Legislative District were collectively awarded more than $446,000 in funding support through the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) announced today.

“We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts and commitment of our first responders, whose exceptional work keeps communities throughout the 116th District safe,” Watro said. “Many companies face financial challenges and struggle with raising money, making this annual state initiative a reliable source of funding, enabling them to continue their crucial life-saving duties.”

“I’m thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds,” said Argall. “These grants are well-deserved and will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs.”

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.

The ongoing funding program was created by the General Assembly. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, not General Fund tax revenue.

The local grants are as follows:

Luzerne County
• Borough of West Hazleton Fire Department - $13,309.
• Diamond Engine Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 - $16,107.
• East End Engine and Hose Company No. 3 - $13,955.
• Fourteenth Ward Fire Company - $12,879.
• Harwood Fire Company - $12,879.
• Hazleton City Fire Department - $16,322.
• Hazleton Heights Volunteer Fire Company - $13,094.
• Hazleton Rescue Squad - $13,094.
• Pioneer Fire Company No. 1 - $14,385.
• West Hazleton Fire Department - $13,094.
• West Hazleton Fire Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 - $13,309.

Schuylkill County
• American Hose Company 2 - $13,309.
• Citizens Fire Company 2 - $13,740.
• Columbia Hose and Steam Fire Company No. 1 - $12,879.
• Defender Hose Company - $12,018.
• Good American Hose Company No. 3 - $12,449.
• Heights Fire Company No. 1 - $12,234.
• Humane Fire Company No. 1 - $12,018.
• Mahanoy City Emergency Medical Services - $12,913.
• McAdoo Fire Company Inc. - $39,892.
• McAdoo Fire Company Inc. and Ambulance Association - $15,000.
• Phoenix Fire Company No. 2 - $12,879.
• Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 - $14,601.
• Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company - $12,234.
• Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association - $45,000.
• Sheppton Oneida Volunteer Fire Company - $12,234.
• Washington Hook and Ladder No. 1 - $13,095.
• West End Fire and Rescue - $14,385.
• William Penn Fire Company No. 1 - $13,310.

The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency with the application process handled through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC to receive their grants.

Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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