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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Solobay |
  
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Solobay encourages volunteer first responders to apply for state grants
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 – State Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, said applications are now being taken for the state's Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program.
Online applications will begin the first week of September on the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Web site at www.osfc.state.pa.us. The application process will remain open for 45 days.
"Our local volunteer first responders save their communities hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet many of them are struggling to make ends meet and spend an inordinate amount of time fundraising," Solobay said. "This grant program helps volunteer fire and EMS companies with major purchases so they can spend less time fundraising and more time training."
The volunteer fire and ambulance grants can be used for construction and/or renovation of the company's facility; to purchase or repair fixtures and furnishings; to purchase or repair firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; for debt reduction; or for training and certification of members.
Solobay has long been a voice for volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. He has been a member of the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department since 1978 where he currently serves as chief, and he is chairman of the House Firefighters Caucus. He co-sponsored legislation (H.B. 906, now Act 10 of 2008) that was signed into law last summer that allocates funding for the grant program through 2012.
"In the past this grant program was funded on a yearly basis, leaving many volunteer companies across the Commonwealth sitting on pins and needles each budget season wondering if money would be available to help them," Solobay said. "Funding this program for five years, instead of having to revisit the issue every year, shows our first responders that we appreciate the sacrifices they make."
In addition, Solobay supported H.B. 277, which is part of the 2008-09 budget package, that provides $4.5 million to offer active volunteer firefighters, ambulance and rescue personnel an income tax credit of up to $100.
Solobay noted if communities had to pay for the fire and ambulance services volunteers currently provide, it would cost the Commonwealth approximately $6 billion in tax dollars a year.
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