State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, announced fire and emergency medical services organizations in the area were awarded more than $250,000 in funding through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.

“Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority, and the brave men and women who work tirelessly to do so are the backbone of that effort,” said Flick, according to a news release. “This critical funding will help provide the resources and support they need to continue their vital work. I’m grateful to see these providers receive this help. I remain committed to securing additional resources to ensure our first responders have the resources they need to keep us safe.”

The recipients are as follows: South Williamsport Fire Department (Fire), $25,525; Williamsport Bureau of Fire, $16,322; Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (Fire), $16,322; Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (Fire), $16,107; DuBoistown Fire Department, $15,246; Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (EMS), $15,000; DuBoistown Ambulance Service, $15,000; Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company (EMS), $15,000; Williamsport Area Ambulance Service Cooperative Susquehanna Regional EMS, $15,000; Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (EMS), $14,919; Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company (Fire), $14,385; Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company Inc. (EMS), $14,508; Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 (Fire), $13,094; White Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company (Fire), $13,094; Independent Fire Company No. 1 of South Williamsport, $12,234; South Williamsport Fire Department (EMS), $10,104 and White Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company (EMS), $9,564.

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner, the news release said. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, not General Fund tax revenue.

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 prevention, and reduction of existing debt.

All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with the state by May 30 to receive their grants.