BETHLEHEM (May 4) - State Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-18) today reminded local volunteer fire departments and EMS companies that they have until June 9^th to apply for funding for 2005-06 through the Volunteer Fire Company/Volunteer Ambulance Service grant program administered through State Fire Commissioner Edward Mann’s office.

“Volunteer fire fighters and first responders often spend more time raising money than they do responding to emergencies,” Boscola said.  “At a time when they are being asked to assume more responsibilities for Homeland Security, it is very difficult for our local VFDs and ambulance companies to raise all the funds that are needed on their own.  We need to find more state programs, such as this one, to help support them.” 

The $25-million Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program is designed to assist volunteer fire, ambulance, and emergency services pay for various aspects of their operations, including facility upgrades/repairs and equipment purchasing. 

Boscola, who has secured numerous grants for area fire and rescue companies on her own, strongly supported the creation of the Volunteer Fire Company Grant Program to direct more state funding to volunteer first responders.

"I would hope that every local department applies and takes advantage of this program,” Boscola said.  “It is programs like these that allow our emergency services to more effectively serve our communities.”

Grants range from $2,500 to no more than $15,000 per volunteer fire company applicant, or more than $10,000 per volunteer ambulance service, unless the applicant is comprised of two groups that had previously merged. 

Funds may be applied towards the purchase or repair of fire and ambulance equipment; construction or renovation of a fire company's primary facility to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide fire, ambulance and rescue services; debt reduction on previously completed eligible projects; or training and certification of members. Projects initiated after July 1, 2005, and completed prior to disbursement of grant program funds may be considered as eligible projects for the current grant year.

For additional information about the Volunteer Fire Company Grant Program program, contact Senator Boscola’s office toll free at 1-877-535-1818, or visit the website of the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at http://www.osfc.state.pa.us.

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