Bernstine Announces State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Butler, Lawrence Counties

February 13, 2026

BUTLER/LAWRENCE COUNTIES - Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 8th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $244,000 in grants from the state.

“Our volunteer fire departments and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Bernstine. “These grants will help ensure first responders in Butler and Lawrence counties have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue protecting our families and neighborhoods. This will deliver real results at the local level by strengthening emergency response capabilities without raising taxes on hardworking families.”

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue.

The following grants were awarded:

Lawrence County:
  • Borough of Ellwood City Fire Department - $13,251.
  • Chewton Volunteer Fire Department - $12,220.
  • Ellwood City Volunteer Fire Department - $13,663.
  • Enon Valley Community Volunteer Fire Department - $12,014.
  • New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department - $12,014.
  • Pennsylvania Medical Transport Inc. - $15,000.
  • Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department - $13,475.
  • Volant Volunteer Fire Company - $14,282.
  • Wampum Volunteer Fire Department - $12,426.
  • Wurtemburg-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department - $13,457.


Butler County:
  • Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company - $14,694.
  • Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company - $12,633.
  • Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department - $13,251.
  • Portersville Muddy Creek Volunteer EMS - $15,000.
  • Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department - $13,251.
  • Prospect Volunteer Fire Department - $14,075.
  • Quality Emergency Medical Service - $15,000.
  • West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department - $14,075.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire safety, or reduction of existing debt.

All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding and must file a grant agreement with the office to receive their awards.



Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com