Senator Gordner Urges Emergency Responders to Apply for Grants

(HARRISBURG) - - Beginning on Monday, volunteer fire and ambulance companies may apply for funding under the 2009 Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program, according to Senator John R. Gordner (R-27).

"Grants of up to $15,000 are available for fire companies, while volunteer ambulance services are eligible for grants of up to $10,000," said Senator Gordner. "The General Assembly extended this popular and necessary program in 2007, and it is an important funding stream for our volunteer responders."

The grant application program is open until October 23, and volunteer fire and ambulance squads are requested to submit the application electronically to the State Office of Fire Commissioner at http://www.osfc.state.pa.us/. A paper application is available upon written request to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at 2605 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9364.

The Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program was enacted in 2003, and has provided $25 million annually to emergency responders throughout Pennsylvania.