VOLUNTEER FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT PROGRAM TO OPEN

HARRISBURG, DEC. 23 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds members of volunteer fire companies and volunteer ambulance services that Jan. 3 is the beginning of the 2005 application process for an emergency services grant program.

“Our firefighters and emergency services members are performing a wonderful community service,” Williams said. “Not only are they volunteering to aid people in their communities, but they also are giving their time for training and to raise money to support their emergency services company. This grant program will provide much-needed financial assistance to volunteer services.”

The application period officially opens on Jan. 3, 2005. All applications must be received by 4 p.m. Feb. 28, 2005. Grants are available to volunteer fire companies and ambulance services for construction and renovation projects, to purchase equipment, to fund training and certification and for debt reduction.

An online application will again be available on the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Web site beginning Jan. 3^rd. For 2005, the opening of the program was changed to January to avoid any problems encountered in the 2004 program.

A paper application also is available.

According to the Office of State Fire Commissioner, much of the data collected as part of the 2004 application will again be included for 2005, such as call volume, types of calls and budget information.

For more information about the program or, beginning Jan. 3^rd, to access an online application, visit the Fire Commissioner’s Web site at www.osfc.state.pa.us.