• Eight fire departments and ambulance companies in Mercer County have been awarded grants to help them stay afloat. 

    The volunteer departments will share in more than $100,000 in state funding that can be used to renovate or construct a fire or ambulance company facility, repair or purchase new equipment, train, reduce existing debt and more.

    All grants are funded by slot machine proceeds and not tax money.

    State Representative Tedd Nesbit announced the grants Tuesday, saying, "I am excited to announce this funding for our local volunteer fire and ambulance companies."

    Nesbit continued, saying, "These brave men and women work tirelessly to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe and are always available when we need them. I am hopeful that this funding will help them get the resources they need to continue to their great work."

    The eight departments from Mercer County and their grant allocations are as follows: 

    • East End Volunteer Department No. 1 - $14,646.43.
    • Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department - $11,512.73.
    • Jackson Center Volunteer Fire - $13,491.91.
    • Pine Township Engine Company - $14,811.36.
    • Sandy Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company and Relief Association - $11,512.73.
    • Sheakleyville Community Volunteer Fire Department - $11,842.59.
    • Stoneboro Volunteer Fire Company - $12,172.45.
    • Volunteer Fire Department of Springfield Township - $13,821.77.