Fire companies and emergency medical service agencies across Berks County are among dozens of organizations in central Pennsylvania receiving state grant funding aimed at strengthening public safety operations.
State Sen. Chris Gebhard announced that more than $1 million in grants has been awarded to fire and EMS agencies throughout the 48th Senate District, which includes parts of Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster counties. The funding is intended to help first responders maintain equipment, complete training and address operational needs.
“I’m very grateful these grants will help our local first responders access the equipment and training they need,” Gebhard said in a statement. “Our volunteers not only respond to emergencies and complete ongoing training, but they also spend countless hours raising funds. I’m hopeful this funding will ease the financial stress a bit and ensure they can continue protecting our communities safely and effectively.”
In Berks County, multiple volunteer fire companies, ambulance services and regional response organizations were awarded funding through the program.
Local recipients include: Berks Emergency Strike Team — $9,761, Bernville Community Fire Company — $14,281, Bethel Community Ambulance — $15,000, Community Fire Company of Frystown — $12,426, Hamburg Emergency Medical Services Inc. — $15,000, Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Crew Inc. — $12,220, Kempton Fire Company Inc. — $15,724.32, Mount Pleasant Fire Company of Berks County — $13,869, Pioneer Hose Company No. 1 & Trustees — $12,426, Shartlesville Community Fire Company No. 1 — $13,869, Shoemakersville Fire Company No. 1 — $13,457, Strausstown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 — $13,250, Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg — $13,869, Union Fire Company No. 1 of Leesport — $13,869, Union Fire Company of Bethel — $12,014, Walnuttown Fire Company No. 1 — $12,632, Western Berks Ambulance Association Inc. — $15,000, Western Berks Fire Department — $52,136, Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company — $14,899, Kutztown Volunteer Community Fire Company — $12,838, Neversink Fire Company — $13,663.
The state program allows funding to be used for projects such as construction or renovation of fire and ambulance facilities, purchasing or repairing equipment, recruitment and retention efforts, training, public fire safety education, and reducing existing debt.
The ongoing grant initiative was created by the General Assembly and is funded through slot machine gaming proceeds. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, with the application process managed by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Under program guidelines, fire and EMS organizations that apply and meet eligibility requirements receive funding, though agencies must file a grant agreement with the state to access the awarded funds.
Officials say the grants are intended to help departments — many of which rely heavily on volunteers — sustain operations and continue responding to emergencies across their communities.
