Ulysses Company Gets New Gear; Grant Deadline Nears

One volunteer fire department recently announced the receipt of new gear due largely to the receipt of a federal grant. The announcement came at the same time that state leaders are reminding all volunteer fire companies and ambulance services of the Oct. 22 deadline for another round of state grants (see below).

Tri-Town Fire Co. of Ulysses recently took delivery of 25 sets of new personal protective equipment — coats, pants, boots, helmets, hoods and gloves. This new gear includes a drag-rescue device in each of the coats as well as a radio pocket, flashlight holder and a D-ring for the members’ accountability tags. Tri-Town also acquired storage racks. The purchases were made possible as the result of a $56,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant requested by Capt. Mike Healy and Chief Roy Hunt.

“This takes a huge load off my mind, knowing that our personnel are safer than ever,” Chief Hunt said.  “This was a cumulative effort of a few of our members totaling more than 150 hours, and it was well worth the effort.”

Shown in the photo by Robin Freeman, left to right, are: front — Third Assistant Chief Matt Seeley, Junior Firefighter Cody Crowner, Junior Firefighter Kyle Hunt, Lieutenant Steve Empson, Firefighter Rusty Hunt; back — Firefighter Krystal Newhard, Firefighter Harold Barber, Chaplain Jason Reed, Chief Roy Hunt, Captain Dennis Ellsworth, Captain Mike Healy.

Volunteer fire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania are running out of time to apply for state grants for building construction or renovation, purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. Maximum grant amount is $15,000 for volunteer fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services. Funding comes from the state’s share of gambling receipts at licensed facilities. Applications can be submitted through the internet until Friday, Oct. 22. More information is available at the website, RepCauser.com (click on Fire and Ambulance Grants).