Several area volunteer fire companies have received funding through the federal Department of Homeland Security.
Among area units receiving grants are Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, $57,689; Franklin Borough Volunteer Fire Department, $8,550; and Gallitzin Volunteer Fire Company, $36,233, all in Cambria County, and Sipesville Volunteer Fire Company, $166,250, Somerset County.
In addition, Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Department in Blair County received $77,283; Fairfield Township Volunteer Fire Company near Bolivar in Westmoreland County received $93,575; and Saltsburg Volunteer Fire Department in Indiana County received $110,105.
They are among 24 volunteer fire units throughout southwestern Pennsylvania to receive the grants, which were announced by the office of U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter.
The funding is part of the competitive Fiscal Year 2007 program of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Program in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, said Specter, a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
