Weaknecht Thankful for Nearly $250,000 in Grant Funding for Local Fire, EMS Companies

February 18, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-Berks) celebrated nearly $250,000 of funding awarded to local fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies in the 5th Legislative District through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

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

“I am grateful to our local fire and EMS companies for their work and sacrifice in our community,” Weaknecht said. “I am proud of their service, and glad to see this critically important funding invested in support of that service.”

The list below includes the fire and EMS grants awarded in the 5th Legislative District:

• Bernville Community Fire Co. received $14,281.
• Bethel Community Ambulance received $15,000.
• Central Berks Fire Co. received $12,632.
• Community Fire Co. of Frystown received $12,426.
• Marion Fire Co. of Stouchburg received $13,044.
• Mount Pleasant Fire Co. of Berks County received $13,869.
• Pioner Hose Co. No. 1 received $12,426.
• Schuylkill Valley EMS received $30,000.
• Shoemakersville Fire Co. No. 1 received $13,457.
• Union Fire Co. No. 1 of Leesport received $13,869.
• Union Fire Co. of Bethel received $12,014.
• Western Berks Ambulance Association Inc. received $15,000.
• Western Berks Fire Department received $52,136.
• Womelsdorf VFC received $14,899.

The OSFC manages financial assistance programs for the state’s fire, ambulance and rescue organizations intended to improve and enhance their abilities to provide firefighting, ambulance, and rescue services. To receive their grants and retain eligibility for the program, fire and ambulance companies’ paperwork must be submitted to the OSFC by July 1.

Representative Eric Weaknecht
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Davis
717.787.3994
mdavis@pahousegop.com
www.repweaknecht.com