EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIOD TO OPEN

 HARRISBURG, AUG. 14 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced that applications for the Volunteer Fire Company Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant program would be accepted beginning Aug. 28^th.

 "Our emergency services providers are true heroes of our communities," Williams said. "They give their time and energy to protect us and our property. They volunteer their free time for training, to raise funds to purchase equipment and to respond to emergencies. In doing so, our emergency services providers save the Commonwealth millions of dollars. This grant program is one small way that Pennsylvania can repay its providers."

 This year, the maximum grants are doubled (as compared to last year): $30,000 for volunteer fire companies and $20,000 for volunteer ambulance services. In September 2008, the grant request amounts will return to $15,000 for fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services.

 Volunteer emergency services providers may apply for a grant in up to two of the four eligible program categories:

• Construction and/or renovation of facilities, purchase or repair of fixtures and furnishings necessary to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide services

• Purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment

• Debt reduction associated with the facility or equipment categories (listed above)

• Training and certification of members

 Applications can be filed online from Aug. 28 through Oct. 11, 2007 at 4 p.m. EDST. To file an application go to www.osfc.state.pa.us. Grant program guidelines are available on the same Web site.

 Organizations eligible to receive grants include volunteer fire companies, volunteer ambulance services and volunteer rescue companies. Volunteer fire companies that also provide volunteer ambulance services are eligible to apply for both a volunteer fire company grant and a volunteer ambulance service grant.