From Mirror staff reports

Several Blair County fire companies and emergency medical service providers were awarded grant funds Tuesday.

The grants came from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program and were announced by state Reps. Lou Schmitt, R-Blair, and Scott Barger, R-Blair/Huntingdon, and state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair.

Grant funding is used for facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training and education at each department.

“The funding will help these vital emergency service providers continue to answer calls for help in our community,” Schmitt said.

Ward agreed, saying the money ensures that the units are equipped to carry out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

“Our first responders play such a vital role, especially in our rural communities, and are appreciated for their dedication and hard work,” Ward said.

Barger said the funds help the responders focus on their duties rather than spending as much time fundraising and finding ways to make ends meet for their departments from day to day.

“Our first responders, particularly those with all-volunteer departments, not only serve their friends and neighbors by providing life- and property-saving interventions, but they are spending more and more time training, fundraising and handling administrative functions,” Barger said.

The following departments received funds:

– Altoona Logan Township Mobile Medical Department Authority: $15,000

– Bald Eagle Volunteer Fire Company: $13,524.70

– Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Company: $15,246.13

– Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Company Inc.: $15,676.48

– City of Altoona Fire Department: 16,322

– Claysburg Volunteer Fire Company: $14,170.24

– Duncansville Emergency Medical Services Inc.: $15,000.00

– Duncansville Fire Company: $13,094.35

– Excelsior Fire Company No. 1: $16,322.02

– Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company: $13,739.88

– Friendship Fire Company No. 1 Inc.: $16,322.02

– Geeseytown Community Fire Company: $14,170.24

– Greenwood Volunteer Fire Department: $13,955

– Hollidaysburg American Legion Ambulance Service Inc.: $15,000.00

– Lakemont Volunteer Fire Company: $15,461

– Logan Township United Fire Department: $27,891

– Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $16,322.02

– Neptune Steam Fire Company No. 1: $14,385.41

– Phoenix Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1: $13,524.70

– Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Company: $12,663.99

– Sinking Valley Volunteer Fire Company: $12,233.63

– Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Company No. 1: $14,170.24