Times Observer file photo Fire and EMS agencies throughout Warren County have received funding from a state grant program through the Office of State Fire Commissioner.

A state grant program is bringing funding to fire and EMS agencies.

A total of $29 million to 2,115 recipients will be allocated from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

“Fire and EMS companies are depended upon by Pennsylvanians each and every day to provide essential and often lifesaving services,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “We know that these organizations continue to experience negative impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic and some are struggling financially. Grant programs like these are vital financial lifelines.”

The program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner.

All fire companies, emergency medical service, and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program and eligible projects include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training and revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts.

Seven agencies in Warren County that provide EMS service — the City of Warren, Clarendon, Pleasant, Russell, Scandia, Sugar Grove and Youngsville — each received $8,325.05 specifically for EMS operations.

On the fire side, Bear Lake, City of Warren, Clarendon, Pleasant, Russell, Scandia, Spring Creek, Starbrick, Sugar Grove, Wrightsville and Youngsville each received $15,000 with Cherry Grove, Garland and Glade receiving slightly less.

“Fire Companies and Emergency Medical Services companies throughout the commonwealth continue to deal the negative impacts the COVID-19 pandemic,” acting state Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “Increased call volume, rising costs, and revenue loss have each made operations more difficult for our first responders. As such, our office is pleased to help get financial assistance into communities across the state.”