Rep. Leslie Rossi announced that fire and emergency response organizations in Pennsylvania’s 59th Legislative District have received nearly $338,000 in state grants. The funding is part of a grant program created by the Legislature and managed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funds are sourced from slot machine gaming proceeds rather than General Fund tax revenue.
“These grants recognize the vital role our local fire companies play in protecting families, businesses and visitors throughout the district,” said Rossi. “The ongoing grant program created by the Legislature provides reliable funding for construction or renovation of facilities, equipment purchases and repairs, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire safety, and debt reduction. By using gaming proceeds instead of General Fund tax revenue, we are reinforcing public safety while maintaining strong fiscal responsibility.”
Grants were distributed to multiple volunteer fire companies across the district. Recipients include Boliver Volunteer Fire Company ($13,251), Chestnut Ridge Community Volunteer Fire Company ($15,000), Crabtree Volunteer Fire Company ($13,045), Youngstown Whitney Volunteer Fire Department ($28,137), among others.
To receive funding, all companies must apply and meet requirements set by OSFC. Companies must also file a grant agreement with the office.
Rossi serves as the Pennsylvania State Representative for the 59th Legislative District in Westmoreland County and supports various community programs and local services according to her official website. She resides in Unity Township with her family and is involved in youth sports leadership roles such as volunteering for Greater Latrobe Hockey programs. Rossi was elected to represent her district and focuses on accountability, transparency, conservative values in governance, economic recovery efforts, and support for community initiatives like local fire departments.
