The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announces the recipients of state firefighter grants in Bradford, Lycoming and Susquehanna counties, according to State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).

In total, more than $60,000 was awarded to local fire companies in the three counties to assist with rural fire services. Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualified to apply for the aid.

“The Fire Grant program has proven to be an invaluable help for fire departments throughout my Senate district and throughout Pennsylvania providing funding for the training and equipment that is necessary to ensure that our firefighters and emergency personnel are as prepared as possible to respond to emergencies and disasters,” said Yaw. “We are blessed to have a number of highly skilled and dedicated individuals in our area who volunteer their time and efforts to protect our communities during these times of emergencies.”

Susquehanna County Grant recipients in the 23rd Senate District include: Hop Bottom Hose Co., Hop Bottom, $6,425; Rush Volunteer Fire Department, Lawton, $3,750; Silver Lake Volunteer, Brackney, $7,500; Snake Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Hallstead, $7,500; United Fire Co., Montrose, $5,000

Grants for any project during a fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures. The maximum grant awarded was $7,500.

Additional grant information can be obtained from the Bureau of Forestry’s Division of Forest Fire Protection at 717-787-2925 or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on “State Forests.”