Southwest Allegheny News

Nearly $200,000 in grants have been distributed to 13 fire and ambulance companies within Pennsylvania's 46th Legislative District. This announcement was made by Representative Jason Ortitay, who represents the Washington and Allegheny areas.

The grant program, which began in 2000, is accessible to both volunteer and career fire departments as well as emergency medical services across the state. The funds can be allocated for facility construction or repair, equipment purchase or maintenance, debt reduction, and training purposes. The awarded amounts depend on recipients submitting their grant agreements to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

"Firefighter and emergency medical service personnel go above and beyond on a daily basis to keep us safe," stated Ortitay. "These grants are just a small way to help them do their job. Many emergency service personnel devote a lot of time to raise funds. The grants help lighten the burden a little."

The following fire companies received awards: Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department ($16,952), Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 ($14,423), Cecil Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 of Millers Run ($14,423), Chartiers Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 ($14,034), Fairview Volunteer Fire Department ($14,423), Houston Volunteer Fire Department ($13,840), McDonald Volunteer Fire Department ($16,952), Mount Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company ($14,423), Oak Ridge Volunteer Firemens Association ($13,451), Oakdale Hose Company ($15,007), South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department ($14,423), SouthBridge Emergency Medical Service ($15,000) and Sturgeon Volunteer Fire Department ($15,590).

The district represented by Ortitay includes South Fayette Township along with McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also covers several townships including Cecil and Chartiers in Washington County.