HARRISBURG: Fire and ambulance companies across the 66th Legislative District will receive a significant infusion of state funding, with more than $333,000 awarded to support emergency services in both Jefferson and Indiana counties.

State Rep. Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) announced the grant awards this week, highlighting the vital role local first responders play in protecting rural communities — particularly in Jefferson County, which includes much of the DuBoisLIVE coverage area.

“Our firefighters and emergency service crews are the ones we rely on most when disaster strikes,” Smith said. “But without adequate funding, it’s hard to deliver the protection our communities count on. Securing these grants is an important step forward, and we’ll continue working to ensure our fire and ambulance companies have the resources they need to do their jobs.”

How The Funding Works

The grants come from an ongoing state program established by the Legislature and administered through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

Eligible uses for the funding include:

  • Construction or renovation of fire or EMS facilities
  • Purchase or repair of equipment
  • Training initiatives
  • Recruitment and retention efforts
  • Public fire safety education
  • Reduction of existing debt

All companies that apply and meet program requirements receive funding. To finalize the awards, departments must file a grant agreement with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

Jefferson County Leads The Way

Of the total funding announced, Jefferson County companies — many serving communities in and around DuBois — received the largest share.

Jefferson County Grant Awards:

  • Big Run Volunteer Fire Company — $13,044.82

  • Brockway Area Ambulance Service — $5,000

  • Brockway Volunteer Hose Company — $14,899.86

  • Brookville Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25

  • Central Fire Department — $13,457.05

  • Corsica Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25

  • Elk Run Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25

  • Friendship Hose Company No. 1 — $12,220.36

  • Jefferson County EMS — $15,000

  • Lindsey Fire Company — $15,105.98

  • McCalmont Township Volunteer Fire Company — $13,663.17

  • Oliver Township Volunteer Fire Company — $12,220.36

  • Perry Township Volunteer Fire Company (Jefferson County) — $12,426.48

  • Pinecreek Township Volunteer Firemen’s Association — $12,014.25

  • Reynoldsville Ambulance Service — $15,000

  • Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Company — $13,250.94

  • Ringgold Area Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25

  • Sigel Volunteer Fire Department — $12,220.36

  • Summerville Volunteer Firemen’s Association — $12,014.25

  • Sykesville Ambulance Service — $15,000

  • Sykesville Volunteer Fire Company — $14,693.75

For rural departments that rely heavily on volunteers and community fundraising, these grants often represent the difference between replacing aging equipment and postponing critical upgrades.

With EMS shortages and volunteer recruitment challenges affecting many small-town departments statewide, the funding arrives at a pivotal time.

Indiana County Awards

Indiana County companies in the 66th District also received funding:

  • Commodore Volunteer Fire Department — $14,281.52
  • Glen Campbell Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25
  • Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department — $12,632.59
  • Plumville District Volunteer Fire Department — $13,044.82
  • Rossiter Volunteer Fire Company — $12,014.25

Why It Matters Locally

Across Jefferson County and surrounding communities, volunteer fire and EMS agencies remain the backbone of emergency response. From structure fires and vehicle crashes to medical emergencies and storm response, these departments operate on tight budgets and rely on community support.

State grant funding helps stabilize operations, improve safety standards, and ensure that residents in DuBois, Brookville, Brockway, Reynoldsville, and surrounding areas continue to receive rapid emergency response when it matters most.

For Jefferson County in particular, the cumulative impact of these awards represents a meaningful investment in public safety infrastructure throughout the region.