SFD receiving nearly $65k in state grants; EMS to receive $45k

SHENANDOAH – Local fire companies and ambulance services, including the Shenandoah Fire Department and Shenandoah Ambulance, are receiving their share of a state grant program.

Rep. Dane Watro (R-Schuylkill/Luzerne) and Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) announced grants awarded in the Shenandoah and Hazleton areas Friday.

The Shenandoah Fire Department’s five companies will receive a combined $64,605.78 through the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

Shenandoah Community Ambulance is receiving $45,000 through the program as well.

“I deeply appreciate the tireless efforts and commitment of our first responders. Their exceptional work ensures the safety of communities throughout the 116th District,” said Watro. “I recognize that many companies face financial challenges and struggle to raise funds. That’s why this annual state initiative is so important. It provides a reliable source of funding that allows these dedicated teams to continue their crucial, life-saving duties.”

“I’m thankful so many local fire and EMS companies were awarded these highly competitive funds,” said Argall. “These grants are well-deserved and will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs.”

Grants can go towards the purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education, or the construction or renovation of a station.

All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds, not General Fund tax revenue, the legislators said.

The local grants are as follows:

Shenandoah

• Columbia Hose and Steam Fire Company No. 1 – $12,838.71.
• Defender Hose Company – $12,014.25.
• Phoenix Fire Company No. 2 – $12,838.71.
• Polish American Fire Company – $12,426.48.
• Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 – $14,487.63.
• Shenandoah Community Ambulance Association – $45,000.

West Mahanoy Township

• William Penn Fire Company No. 1 – $13,250.94.
• Heights Fire Company No. 1 – $12,426.48.
• Altamont Fire Co. – $13,869.28

Mahanoy City

• Citizens Fire Company No. 2 – $14,899.86.
• Good American Hose Company No. 3 – $12,426.48.
• Humane Fire Company No. 1 – $12,014.25.
• Washington Hook and Ladder No. 1 – $12,632.59.
• West End Fire and Rescue – $14,281.52.

Ashland

• American Hose Co. – $12,632.59
• Washington Fire Co. Community Ambulance – $15,000;
• Washington Fire Co. – $14,487.63

Girardville

• Girard Hose Co. – $12,220.36
• Rangers Hose Co. – $14,899.86

Frackville

• Frackville Community Ambulance – $15,000;
• Good Will Hose Co. – $13,663.17

Butler Township

• Friendship Fire Co. of Englewood – $28,136.55
• Lavelle Volunteer Fire Co. – $12,220.36

Gordon

• Citizens Fire Co. of Gordon – $14,487.63

Delano

• Delano Fire Co. – $12,426.48

Ryan Township

• Ryan Township Rescue Squad – $14,750;
• Ryan Township Fire Co. – $15,105.98

Ringtown Valley

• Ringtown Valley Fire and Rescue Company – $24,220.36.
• Sheppton Oneida Volunteer Fire Company – $12,426.48.
• Nuremberg-Weston Volunteer Fire Co. – $13,663.17.

Gilberton

• American Hose Co. Mahanoy Plane – $13,250.94
• Continental Hose Co. — $12,220.36

McAdoo

• McAdoo Fire Company Inc. – $38,487.63.
• McAdoo Fire Company Inc. and Ambulance Association – $15,000.

Hazleton

• Diamond Engine Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 2 – $15,518.21.
• East End Engine and Hose Company No. 3 – $13,869.28.
• Fourteenth Ward Fire Company – $12,632.59.
• Hazleton City Fire Department – $16,136.55.
• Hazleton Heights Volunteer Fire Company – $13,044.82.
• Hazleton Rescue Squad – $13,457.05.
• Pioneer Fire Company No. 1 – $14,075.40.

Hazle Township

• Harwood Fire Co. – $12,838.71.
• Hazle Township Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company – $16,136.55.

West Hazleton

• Borough of West Hazleton West Hazleton Fire Department – $13,250.94.
• West Hazleton Fire Hose Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 – $13,457.05.

Columbia County

• Aristes Fire Co. – $13,044.82
• Beaver Township Fire Co. – $12,220.36
• Main Township Fire Co. – $12,220.36;

About Author