All combined, the grants represent a $480,000 investment by the state into local fire and ambulance companies. The grants are administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

In announcing the grants, state Sen. Elder Vogel Jr., R-47, New Sewickley Township, said everyone owes “a debt of gratitude to our volunteer fire and EMS crews.”

 

Almost all of the grants were between $11,000 and $13,000 each, although larger companies like the Beaver Falls and New Brighton fire departments received $15,000 grants, respectively.

 

"We are grateful to Bluefield Regional Medical Center for their generosity," said Bluefield Fire Chief Rick Cary.  "This device will enable our department to access a person who is in cardiac arrest and take the required steps to provide care.  On behalf of the Bluefield Fire Department and the City of Bluefield, we would like to thank Bluefield Regional Medical Center for making our City a safer place to live, learn, work and play."

In total, 14 fire volunteer fire and ambulance associations from Saylor's 94th Legislative District — which includes Red Lion, Lower Chanceford Township and parts of Springettsbury township — will receive funding the state as part of a program supporting first-responders.

The most notable grant in the district was awarded to Leo Independent Fire Engine Co. in Red Lion, which is set to receive $15,000, according to a news release.

A second fire station has been discussed for the growing city dating back to the early 2000s. The new station will be on Fort Meigs Road, on the site of an old Perrysburg Township Fire Station. The land was purchased about one year ago for roughly $50,000. The city also has initial renderings for the station completed, at a cost of about $35,000.   

The station has an estimated cost of $9.8 million, with financing options to be discussed at Monday’s 5:30 p.m. meeting. 

 The council will also vote on a separate item to refurbish an existing ladder truck, that was recently damaged, into a quint. The cost to rebuild that apparatus is about $183,000.  

Joliet City Manager David Hales is recommending the council approve both expenditures. On the plus side, Hales wrote in a memo, Joliet's actual costs for the 2017 Quint fire apparatus would be $133,000.