COVID-19 Grants Awarded to Local Fire and EMS Companies, Says Rader

October 9, 2020

HARRISBURG – Eight fire and EMS companies in the 176th Legislative District were awarded a one-time state grant to assist with extra expenses resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe).

A total of $50 million was made available through the Office of State Fire Commissioner to provide direct financial relief to first responders in Pennsylvania impacted by the pandemic. These funds are to be used to supplement operational expenses incurred by the lack of opportunities for fundraising and inability to create revenue due to compliance with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We all recognize the importance of our dedicated emergency responders, and their services are even more critical now,” said Rader. “I am pleased these grants will allow them to continue to protect our lives and property at a time when their fundraising efforts have been put on hold.”

The following fire and EMS companies submitted applications and received funding:

• Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company - $24,110.
• Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services - $15,035.
• Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company - $25,342.
• Pocono Summit Volunteer Fire Company - $11,094.
• Pocono Township Fire Company - $22,877.
• Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company - $23,562.
• Tobyhanna Township Volunteer Fire Company - $11,094.
• West End Fire Company of Brodheadsville - $23,288.

Legislation creating the COVID-19 Crisis Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program was passed unanimously by the General Assembly in May with funding support through the federal CARES Act.

As stated in Act 26 of 2020, the money must be used for eligible expenses, including utilities, insurance, apparatus repairs, fuel, personal protective equipment, lost revenues due to pandemic restrictions, and the sanitizing of equipment and property.

Representative Jack Rader
176th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepRader.com / Facebook.com/RepJackRader