McNeill announces nearly $102K in funding for fire, emergency medical services

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, announced today that a total of $101,962.25 will be awarded to local volunteer fire and emergency medical services companies.

McNeill explained the funding is provided by the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. Overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, this annual program provides funding opportunities for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.

“So many of our volunteer organizations saw their operating costs expand throughout the pandemic, while their fundraising opportunities were almost non-existent,” said McNeill. “While today’s news is welcomed, I’ll continue to advocate that we do more to ensure our volunteers and communities here in Lehigh County and across the commonwealth are better positioned should we face another pandemic. Our health and safety should never be a struggle, it should be a priority.”

The grant awards are as follows:

  • Catasauqua Fire Department: $13,659.95.
  • Eastern Salisbury Fire Ambulance and Rescue Company: $13,659.21.
  • Fountain Hill Fire Department: $12,767.97.
  • Fullerton Fire Company Number No 1: $12,233.23.
  • HAN LE CO Volunteer Fire Company 1: $11,520.24.
  • Hokendauqua Fire Company: $12,411.47.
  • International Association of Fire Fighters Lehigh/Northampton Airport: $13,124.46.
  • West Catasauqua Fire Company Number 1: $12,585.72.

According to McNeill, grants can be used by eligible organizations for facilities and equipment, debt reduction, training and education, recruitment and retention, and to supplement operational expenses incurred by lack of opportunity for fundraising and inability to create revenue due to compliance with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

More information on the grant program can be found by clicking here.