For Immediate Release
August 29, 2007
Contact: Brian Grove
bgrove@pasen.gov
(570) 675-3931
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Grant Applications Now Being Accepted For Volunteer Fire Companies and Ambulance Services

Maximum Available Grant Amounts Doubled This Fiscal Year

Harrisburg – Applications are now being accepted for the combined Volunteer Fire Company Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program (VFCVASPG), which has doubled its maximum grant allowance for this fiscal year, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20).

Pennsylvania's volunteer fire companies and volunteer ambulance services can apply for grants for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007.  Eligible volunteer fire companies can receive up to $30,000 and eligible volunteer ambulance services can receive up to $20,000 - double the amount of last year's available funds.

"Our state depends on the life-saving services provided by our great volunteer fire companies and volunteer ambulance services," said Baker.  "These first responders sacrifice their time and risk their lives on every call they take because they care about protecting the lives and property of the people in their community."

According to Baker, eligible requirements for the grant program include facility construction and/or renovation costs, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction associated with a facility or equipment, and training and certification of volunteer members.

Volunteer fire companies and volunteer ambulance services may apply for a grant in up to two of the four eligible program categories.  Also, volunteer fire companies that also provide volunteer ambulance services are eligible to apply for both grants.

"We all owe a debt of gratitude to our selfless first responders," said Baker.  "The least we can do is provide them with the funding necessary to update their facilities and acquire the equipment and training that will allow them to do their jobs more effectively and safely."

Baker said volunteer fire companies and ambulance services should take advantage of this grant opportunity over the next year because grant amounts will return to $15,000 for fire companies and $10,000 for ambulance services in September of 2008.

Online applications and additional information are available on the Office of the Fire Commissioner's website at www.osfc.state.pa.us.  Questions regarding the grant program can be answered by calling 1-800-670-3473 or by emailing ra-vfcvasgp@state.pa.us.

Paper applications are available upon written request to:

VFCVASGP
Office of the State Fire Commissioner
2605 Interstate Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9364