Nearly $300,000 has been awarded to over two dozen volunteer fire and emergency services organizations in Carbon County.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, and state Sen. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne/Carbon, announced Tuesday that the funding is part of an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner.Fire and emergency services organizations use the funds for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.Heffley said, "Our first responders selflessly dedicate their time to serve our community. These funds will help to ensure that they have the equipment and training necessary to continue the important work of assisting our residents."Yudichak echoed Heffley's sentiment: "I am proud that with this $30 million investment the state is answering the call to improve facilities, upgrade equipment and further the impact of our fire companies and volunteer ambulance services in communities here in Carbon County and across the Commonwealth."Individual distribution totals were not available, but the following fire and ambulance companies received grants:Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company; American Fire Company No. 1; Beaver Meadows Volunteer Fire Company No. 1; Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company; Citizens Fire Company No. 1 of Weatherly; Diligence Fire Company No. 1; Diligent Fire Company No. 3; East Penn Township Volunteer Fire Company; Fairview Hose Company No. 2; Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1; Hauto Volunteer Fire Company;Also, Kidder Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1; Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corps; Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company Inc.; Lehigh and Lausanne Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company; Lehighton Ambulance Association; Lehighton Fire Department; and Mahoning Valley Ambulance Association Inc.; Mahoning Valley Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Inc.Also, Nesquehoning Ambulance Corps; Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1; New Columbus Fire Company Inc.; Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 of Albrightsville; Phoenix Hose Company No. 2, Tresckow Volunteer Fire Company and West End Fire Company No. 2