Waugh Urges Volunteer Fire and EMS Groups to Seek Grants

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) is urging local volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to apply for grants through the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.

"Our volunteer companies are facing tough challenges with the rising cost of equipment and fuel, and they spend hours fundraising in order to function at a level necessary for maintaining public safety," said Waugh.  "This grant program is a way to assist them in their efforts."

Grants may be used for the purchase or repair of firefighting or rescue equipment, construction or renovation costs for facilities, training or debt reduction.  

The grants range from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $15,000 for volunteer fire and rescue companies or $10,000 for volunteer ambulance companies.  Volunteer fire companies that also provide volunteer ambulance services are eligible to apply for both a volunteer fire company grant and a volunteer ambulance service grant.

Grant applications will be accepted for 45 days beginning in the first week of September, and the online application for the grants is available at: www.osfc.state.pa.us.

Waugh supported passage of legislation last year that extended the $25 million grant program through 2012.