Barton, Argall, Gebhard: 124th District Fire, EMS Companies Awarded Nearly $436,000

February 18, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124), Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced today that fire and ambulance companies in the 124th Legislative District will collectively receive $435,895 in state grants to support their public safety mission.

“The safety of our community is my top priority,” Barton stated. “Firefighters and emergency medical personnel are the backbone of our neighborhoods. They make it possible for our communities to thrive. It’s essential that these teams have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and this funding is a critical step toward ensuring that happens.”

“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.”

“I’m very grateful these grants will help our local first responders access the equipment and training they need,” Gebhard said. “Our volunteers not only respond to emergencies and complete ongoing training, but they also spend countless hours raising funds. I’m hopeful this funding will ease the financial stressors a bit and ensure they can continue protecting our communities safely and effectively.”

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature which is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire safety, or reduction of existing debt.

All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC to receive their grants.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations in Berks County:

• Hamburg Emergency Medical Services – $15,000.
• Hamburg Volunteer Forest Fire Crew – $12,220.36.
• Kempton Fire Company – $15,724.32.
• Kutztown Fire and Rescue – $16,136.55.
• Shartlesville Community Fire Company No. 1 – $13,869.28.
• Strausstown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 – $13,250.94.
• Union Fire Company No. 1 of Hamburg – $13,869.28.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations in Schuylkill County:

• American Hose Company No. 1 – $15,000.
• Auburn Fire Company – $12,220.36.
• Auburn Fire Company Ambulance Service – $15,000.
• Citizens Fire Company No. 1 – $12,220.36.
• Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 – $14,281.52.
• Community Fire Company of New Ringgold – $12,426.48.
• Community Fire Company No. 1 of Landingville – $12,426.48.
• Deer Lake and West Brunswick Fire Company No. 1 – $14,281.52.
• Delano Fire Company No. 1 – $12,426.48.
• East End Fire Company – $12,220.36.
• Friendship Hose Company No. 1 – $14,281.52.
• Hometown Fire Company No. 1 – $24,426.48.
• Mary D Fire Company – $24,632.59.
• New England Fire Company No. 1 – $14,693.75.
• No. 1 Emergency and Rescue Squad – $12,632.59.
• Penn Mahoning Ambulance Association – $15,000.
• Port Clinton Fire Company – $12,426.48.
• Ryan Township Emergency and Rescue Squad – $14,750.
• Ryan Township Fire Company – $15,105.98.
• South Ward Fire Company – $14,487.63.
• Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association – $15,000.
• Tuscarora Fire Company – $13,457.05.
• West Penn Fire Company No. 1 – $12,426.48.

Rep. Jamie Barton
124th Legislative District
Sen. Dave Argall
29th Senate District
Sen. Chris Gebhard
48th Senate District
Media Contacts:
Jake Gillespie (Rep. Barton) jgillespie@pahousegop.com
Seth Hubler (Sen. Argall) shubler@pasen.gov
Alex Gamble (Sen. Gebhard) AGamble@pasen.gov