More than $165,000 awarded to local fire, emergency services organizations

Several area fire and emergency services organizations won grants ranging from $10,000 to over $24,000 through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, state Rep. Tarah Probst (D-189) announced.

Local winning organizations include the Bushkill Volunteer Fire Co., which received $16,368; the Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp.; which won $15,000; and the Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Co., which received $13,061.

“As former mayor of Stroudsburg, I know the important roles that emergency responders play in our communities. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for the services they provide during our time of need. These grants will enable them to buy needed equipment, acquire necessary training, and improve their facilities,” said Probst in a statement.

The other recipients in the 189th Legislative District include:

Acme Hose Co. No. 1: $14,228.

Bushkill Emergency Corps: $10,000.

Chemical Co. No. 1: $14,812.

Delaware Water Gap Chemical & Hose Co. No. 1: $13,645.

Lehman Pike Emergency Medical Services: $15,000.

Marshalls Creek Fire Co. EMS and fire: $24,423.

Phoenix Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 2: $15,201.

Shawnee Fire Co.: $13,645.

Probst’s announcement explained that the money is distributed by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, and can be used for “facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts.” Fire companies looking to use the funding as part of a new construction project can also apply for “construction savings accounts.”