Burns announces $421K in grants awarded to local fire and EMS companies
Rep. Frank Burns February 19, 2026 | 10:43 AM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 — A leading supporter of local first responders, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced a total of nearly $421,000 in state grants has been awarded to 26 fire and EMS companies across the 72nd Legislative District.
“These fire and EMS companies protect our communities 24/7, and they usually do it while struggling to raise funds and recruit volunteers,” Burns said. “This state funding is a big help for these first responders, which is why I always support legislation that helps them out. My commitment to local first responders is unwavering.”
The local fire and EMS companies awarded grants include:
- Blacklick Valley Foundation and Ambulance Service: $15,000
- Cambria Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $15,105
- Citizens Fire Co. of Vintondale: $12,014
- City of Johnstown Fire Department: $16,136
- Conemaugh Valley Regional Ambulance Association: $15,000
- Conemaugh Volunteer Fire Co.: $12,426
- Cover Hill Volunteer Fire Co.: $15,105
- Dale Boro Fire Co.: $14,693
- Dauntless Fire Co.: $15,000
- Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association: $15,000
- East Taylor Volunteer Fire Co.: $13,663
- Franklin Borough Volunteer Fire Co.: $15,105
- Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. EMS: $15,000
- Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $16,136
- Lower Yoder Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $13,044
- Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Co.: $15,312
- Nanty Glo Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1: $15,312
- Seventh Ward Civic Association: $15,000
- Southmont Volunteer Fire Co: $16,136
- Summerhill Borough Volunteer Fire Co.: $15,312
- Upper Yoder Volunteer Fire Co. EMS: $15,000
- Upper Yoder Volunteer Fire Co.: $13,547
- West End Ambulance Service: $15,000
- West Hills Regional Fire Department: $52,136
- West Hils Regional Fire Department EMS: $15,000
- West Taylor Volunteer Fire Co.: $13,869
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“This state funding is a big help for these first responders, which is why I always support legislation that helps them out. My commitment to local first responders is unwavering.” – Rep. Frank Burns
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The grants were awarded from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, which is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and is available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.
Burns noted that the program was re-upped two years ago with his support and is on the books through 2029.
Eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies are permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for the purposes of new facility construction.
More information about the grant program is available here.
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