Laurel Highlands Today

Reps. Ryan Warner and Charity Grimm Krupa have announced that Fayette County's fire and ambulance companies will receive a total of $642,670 in state grants. Rep. Warner stated, "We are blessed by the outstanding fire and emergency service personnel who selflessly serve our communities, protecting lives and property." He added, "These grants not only show our appreciation but also aim to relieve some of the financial challenges facing these organizations."

Rep. Grimm Krupa echoed these sentiments, saying, "We owe our safety and peace of mind to our first responders. This funding will help our EMTs, paramedics and firefighters maintain their high standards of safety, preparedness and organizational survival. This doesn’t just benefit our first responders; it benefits all of Fayette County."

The funds are part of a grant program run by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. It is funded by slot machine gaming revenue, avoiding reliance on general fund tax revenue.

Organizations can use the funds for construction, equipment purchase or repair, training, recruitment and retention, or managing debt. Each entity must file a grant agreement to receive funding.

The distribution of the grants is as follows:

- Adah Volunteer Fire Department received $25,739.88.

- Brownsville Fire Company No. 1 garnered $13,094.35.

- Fayette Emergency Medical Service was allocated $10,000.

and many others.

Reps. Warner and Krupa's contacts are Patricia Hippler and Jake Gillespie respectively, and they can be reached through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for further queries.