The Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency announced grants awarded to 17 first-responder offices in Mercer and Butler counties.

Grant funds can be used by the departments for construction, renovation, equipment purchases or repairs, recruitment and retention, public education about fire safety, and existing debt reduction.

Mercer County:

  • Fredonia Volunteer Fire Department - $12,839.
  • Grove City Volunteer Fire Department - $16,137.
  • Jackson Center Volunteer Fire Company - $14,488.
  • Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department - $13,251.
  • Pine Township Engine Company - $12,839.
  • Sheakleyville Community Volunteer Fire Department - $12,426.
  • Stoneboro Volunteer Fire Company – $13,045.
  • Superior Ambulance Service Inc. - $15,000.
  • Volunteer Fire Department of Springfield Township - $14,075.

Butler County:

  • Bruin Volunteer Fire Department - $14,694.
  • Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department & Aux. - $12,220.
  • Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company - $12,838.
  • Karns City Regional Ambulance Service - $15,000.
  • Marion Township Volunteer Fire Company - $12,426.
  • Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department - $13,045.
  • Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Team (Fire) - $13,045.
  • Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Team (EMS) - $9,978.

The funding for these grants comes from a grant program created by the Legislature and supported by proceeds from slot machine gaming, not General Fund tax revenue.

Rep. Tim Bonner (R-17) said, "I understand most of these companies are volunteer run, which makes money for equipment, training and facility upgrades hard to come by. These grants help ensure they have the tools and resources needed to protect lives and property across Mercer and Butler counties."