With tough budget times ahead, Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) today congratulated several local volunteer fire and emergency medical services (EMS) units for obtaining more than $288,000 in state grant funding.

“The members and auxillieries of our local fire and EMS companies work hard to raise money to support their departments and local governments provide further funding upon which our volunteer companies rely,” Everett said. “However, tough economic times are forcing cuts within everyone’s budget and these grant funds will help ensure that residents have someone to call in their time of need.”

As part of the grant program’s requirements, volunteer fire and ambulance companies will use the funds for a variety of purposes, including construction or renovation of the fire company or ambulance service’s primary structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.

This year, grant funding was awarded to the following fire companies within the 84th District:

Antes Fort Volunteer Fire Company, $9,500.

Black Forest Fire Company, $9,500.

Brown Township Volunteer Fire Company, $9,500.

Citizens Hose Company of Jersey Shore (EMS), $4,916.

Citizens Hose Company of Jersey Shore (Fire), $10,994.

Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company Number 1 (EMS), $4,916.

Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company Number 1 (Fire), $9,686.

Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Company (EMS), $4,916.

Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Company (Fire), $11,367.

Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department (EMS), $4,705.

Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department (Fire), $10,433.

Independent Hose Company Number 1, $9,873.

Keystone Hook and Ladder Company (EMS), $4,916.

Keystone Hook and Ladder Company (Fire), $9,686.

Lairdsville Community Volunteer Fire Company Inc., $9,500.

Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company (EMS), $4,916.

Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company (Fire), $11,367.

Muncy Creek Community Fire Company (EMS), $4,916.

Muncy Creek Community Fire Company (Fire), $9,500.

Muncy Township Volunteer Fire Company (EMS), $4,916.

Muncy Township Volunteer Fire Company (Fire), $9,500.

Nippenose Valley Volunteer Fire Company, $10,531.

Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, $4,916.

Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Company Inc., $9,500.

Pine Creek Independent Volunteer Fire Company, $9,686.

Plunketts Creek Township Fire Department, $9,500.

Ralston Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (EMS), $4,916.

Ralston Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (Fire), $10,060.

Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (EMS), $4,916.

Trout Run Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (Fire), $10,060.

Unityville Volunteer Fire Company, $9,500.

Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company, $9,880.

Waterville Volunteer Fire Company, $9,686.

Willing Hand Hose Company Number 1 (EMS), $4,916.

Willing Hand Hose Company Number 1 (Fire), $11,367.

The funding was made possible through the Pennsylvania Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant program.

“I know that all our companies could use more funding, but these grants will certainly help purchase new equipment, provide new training and repair exsisting assets throughout Lycoming County,” Everett said. “The residents of the 84th Legislative District are very greatful for the services that these volunteer fire and emergency services companies provide and we are thankful that they will be reciving some much-needed funds to continue their efforts.”