Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) announced nearly $1.7 million in grants for local volunteer and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or repair of firefighting or rescue equipment, construction or renovation costs for facilities, training or debt reduction.

The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant administers the program.The total grant award in Schuylkill County is $1.4 million. Local recipients are: American Hose Co. 1, Tamaqua, $14,284; Brockton Volunteer Fire Company, $12,068; Citizens Fire Company, Tamaqua, $14,284; Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $12,622; Community Fire Company, New Ringgold, $12,899; East End Fire Company, Tamaqua, $12,750; Hometown Fire Company No. 1, $12,345.Also, Kaska Volunteer Fire Company, $12,068; Mary D Fire Company, $12,068; New England Fire Company, $14,007; No 1 Emergency & Rescue Squad, Tamaqua, $14,284; Penn Mahoning Ambulance Association Inc., Andreas, $5,696; Quakake Volunteer Fire Company, $11,514; Ryan Township Emergency and Rescue, $7,444; Ryan Township Fire Company, $14,284; South Ward Fire Compnay, Tamaqua, $14,284; Tamaqua Community Ambulance Association, $7,444, and Tuscarora Fire Company, $14,284.