Published: November 13, 2008 11:34 pm      

Cambria fire departments awarded $300G

WASHINGTON — Four Cambria County volunteer fire departments have been awarded more than $300,000 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, announced the grants Wednesday.

The units receiving money were:

• Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Company, $213,750 for vehicle acquisition.

• Upper Yoder Volunteer Fire Company, $40,375 for operations and safety.

• East Taylor company, $23,109 for operations and safety.

• Summerhill Township Volunteer Fire Company, $33,963 for operations and safety.

About three-fourths of the 35,000 local fire agencies nationwide are volunteer.

“Their jobs are made more difficult by shrinking budgets that don’t have the flexibility for funding equipment, training or new vehicles,” Murtha said. “These grants help our firefighters and EMS organizations respond safely and efficiently, so they can do a better job protecting our communities.”