Receive Emergency Services Grants

Three volunteer emergency response organizations in Cameron County have each been awarded $9,500 in state grants.

Recipients are Bucktail Volunteer Fire Department in Driftwood, Emporium Fire Department and Sinnemahoning Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.

McKean County agencies received $168,000; Potter, $100,000, including $5,500 for Austin Volunteer Fire Dept.; Elk, $91,000.

The money can be used for construction or renovation of facilities, purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. The grant program is administered by the Pa. Emergency Management Agency and State Fire Commissioner.

Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a new state emergency medical services department. That measure would transfer EMS responsibilities from the Pa. Health Department and boost state support for emergency services agencies.