HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houzdale, announced that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program has released the list of grant awardees for the 2011-2012 program.
“I’m thrilled to see that 24 volunteer fire and ambulance services companies from the district will be receiving grants through the program,” George said. “These men and women put their lives on the line to save those in need, and programs like this help keep them safer when performing those duties.”
In all, more than $240,000 was awarded to local fire and ambulance companies. Companies can use the funds for a variety of expenditures, including equipment, facility renovations and training.
The deadline to apply was Nov. 21, and the grantees list was recently released. To see the full list of companies awarded and for more information, visit www.osfc.state.pa.us/.
Locally, the following recipients were awarded grants:
? Chester Hill Hose Co., $10,059;
? Clearfield Emergency Medical Services Inc., $5,012;
? Clearfield Volunteer Fire Dept., $41,194;
? Columbia Fire Co. No. 1, Osceola Mills, $10,339;
? Curwensville Rescue Hose & Ladder, $12,297;
? Glen Hope Fire Co., $9,500;
? Glendale Volunteer Fire Dept., Engine Co. No. 1, $9,779;
? Goshen Twp. Volunteer Fire Co., $9,500;
? Grampian-Penn-Bloom Volunteer Fire Co., $11,458;
? Grassflat Volunteer Fire. Co., $9,500;
? Houtzdale Fire Co. No. 1, $9,500;
? Houtzdale-Ramey EMS, $5,679;
? Hyde Volunteer Fire. Co., $10,898;
? Irvona Volunteer Fire Co., $5,679;
? Karthaus Volunteer Fire Co., $5,679;
? Lawrence Twp. Fire Co. No. 1, $9,957;
? Lawrence Twp. Fire Co. No. 3, $6,548;
? Madera Volunteer Ambulance Service, $5,679;
? Madera Volunteer Fire Company, $10,898;
? Mahaffey Community Ambulance Services, $5,679;
? Ramey Fire Engine Co. No. 1, $9,500;
? Rescue Hose & Ladder Ambulance Service, Curwensville, $5,420;
? Westover Volunteer Fire Co., $9,500;
? Winburne Volunteer Fire Co., $10,898.
“I hope programs like this continue and local fire and ambulance companies take full advantage of them,” George said. “These programs help save the lives of those who save lives.”
In other news, George urged nonprofit organizations to apply for grants available through the Lumber Heritage Region, in conjunction with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team.
Grants are for nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to preserve the heritage of our communities through partnerships that conserve resources, tell the stories and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Up to $5,000 is available for projects totaling $30,000, and grants must be matched 100 percent from other sources by the applying entity.
Eligible projects include:
? Projects that implement recommendations from the LHR Management Action Plan or the LHR Interpretive Plan, available for review at www.lumberheritage.org. Examples include trail construction, signage, interpretive/educational exhibits and materials, conservation and heritage preservation projects.
? Projects that incorporate elements from the Pennsylvania Wilds Design Guide.
? Projects that will complete elements from existing plans including, but not limited to, trail, watershed, greenway and heritage community plans.
? Projects that will “complete” a cultural or heritage asset or destination.
? Projects identified in the Pennsylvania Wilds Design Assistance/Preserve America program.
Additional information and applications are available through the website.
“I urge any eligible nonprofits to apply for these grants,” Rep. George said. “These programs help preserve our culture and heritage – essentially who we are as a people.”