Eight volunteer fire companies in Butler, Clarion, Venango and Warren counties were recently awarded state grants for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires, according to Senator Scott E. Hutchinson.
The grant recipients are: Adams Area Fire District, Mars, Butler County, $5,000; Callery Volunteer Fire Co., Callery, Butler County, $5,627; Callenburg Licking Township Volunteer Fire Co., Callensburg, Clarion County, $3,750; Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department, Clintonville, Venango County, $3,310; Hawthorn Area Fire Department, Hawthorn, Clarion County, $5,598; Polk Fire-Rescue Inc., Polk, Venango County, $3,985; Russell Volunteer Fire Department, Russell, Warren County, $3,000; Sheffield Township Volunteer Fire Department, Sheffield, Warren County, $1,385.
“Our volunteer firefighters share a true dedication to their calling. The recent tragic events in Arizona, where 19 experienced firefighters died fighting a wildfire, should remind us of the dangers these men and women face,” said Senator Hutchinson. “This grant program is intended to help our volunteer emergency responders purchase new equipment and upgrade their skills.”
The grants of up to $7,500 were offered under the program to volunteer fire companies serving rural areas and communities with fewer than 10,000 residents and where forest and brush fires are common.
Funds from the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), may be used for purchasing mobile or portable radios, installing dry hydrants, performing wildfire prevention and mitigation work, training wildfire fighters, or converting and maintaining federal excess vehicles to be used for fire suppression.
Contact:
Justin Leventry
(717) 787-9684