Pittman & Struzzi Announce $236,555 in State Funding for Local Fire and EMS

February 19, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Senator Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson (part) & Westmoreland (part) Counties) and State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) announced $236,555 in funding for local Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.          
 
“Our local fire companies and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Struzzi said.  “Unfortunately, we have seen far too many emergencies in 2026.  However, these tragedies would have been far worse without the tireless efforts of our local heroes.  I know these funding awards will provide help for our first responders.”  

“We’re truly thankful for the incredible work our local fire departments and EMS teams do every day to keep our communities safe,” Pittman said. “These grants will help provide important life-saving equipment and training, giving our emergency responders the tools and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

The annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program supports volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. The grant can be awarded for up to two projects in diverse categories such as facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training, training and education materials, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, and costs associated with career departments. 

The following fire companies are receiving awards: 

   • Armagh & East Wheatfield Township Volunteer Fire Co: $12,632.59
   • Aultman Volunteer Fire Association: $12,426.48
   • Black Lick Volunteer Fire Company: $13,457.05
   • Young Mens Volunteer Fire Company: $13,044.82
   • Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fire Co: $12,014.25
   • Iselin Volunteer Fire Company: $12,220.36
   • Coal Run McIntyre Volunteer Fire Company: $13,250.94
   • Clymer Volunteer Fire Co No. 1: $13,869.28
   • Coral Graceton Volunteer Fire Co: $12,014.25
   • Creekside Volunteer Fire Company: $13,250.94
   • Pine Township Volunteer Fire Co: $12,014.25
   • Homer City Volunteer Fire Company: $13,044.82
   • Indiana Fire Association: $16,136.55
   • Clyde VFD: $12,014.25
   • Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc: $13,663.17
   • Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Dept: $12,838.71
   • Tunnelton Volunteer Fire Dept: $13,663.17

The following EMS provider is receiving an award: 

   • Citizens Ambulance Service Inc: $15,000.00

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, not General Fund tax revenue. 

Grant recipients must complete a signed agreement with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by May 30 to receive the funds. More details about the program and the full list of statewide grants can be found here.