Grants were recently awarded to first responder organizations through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program created by the General Assembly and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, reduction of existing debt, education and public outreach, and staff recruitment and retention efforts.

All fire companies, EMS services and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for the annual grant program, which is funded solely with state gaming proceeds. This year's funding amounts are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by July 1.

Thirteen fire and ambulance companies in the 43rd legislative district were awarded nearly $257,000 in grants through the program. This year's grant recipients are Akron Volunteer Fire Company, $15,396; Bareville Fire Company No. 1, $14,812; Ephrata Community Ambulance Assocation Inc., $15,000; Farmersville Fire Company, $15,785; Garden Spot Fire Rescue, $29,952; Gordonville Fire Company and Ambulance Association, $29,812; Intercourse Fire Company, $14,423; Lincoln Fire Company No. 1, $29,952; Martindale Vol. Fire Company, $14,618; New Holland Ambulance Association, $30,000; Pioneer Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1, $16,757; and Upper Leacock Fire Company, $13,840; and West Earl Fire Company No. 1, $16,174.

Several grants were also awarded organizations in the 100th district. The recipients are Bart Township Fire Company, more than $15,395; Christiana Community Ambulance Association Inc., $10,000; Christiana Fire Company No. 1 Inc., more than $16,951; Quarryville Fire Company No. 1, more than $15,979; Paradise and Leaman Place Fire Company, $14,228; Strasburg Fire Company No. 1, $14,617; and Robert Fulton Fire Company, more than $13,839.