Robbins, Evans Announce State Loan for Summit Township Fire Department

HARRISBURG – The Summit Township Volunteer Fire Department in Harmonsburg has been approved for a low-interest loan to purchase additional equipment for its company, said Sen. Bob Robbins (R-50) and Rep. John Evans (R-Erie/Crawford).

The loan, made possible through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), in the amount of $50,000 will refinance debt incurred toward the purchase of the 2009 Life Line Type III Ambulance.

"We are both very pleased that the Summit Township Volunteer Fire Department was able to receive funds from this very important program," Robbins said. "Many fire companies spend much of their time raising funds, and that is why loan programs such as this one are necessary to ensure that these dedicated volunteers are able to respond to emergencies appropriately and save lives and property."

"Fire apparatus and equipment are quite expensive undertakings," Evans said. "A fire company can hold fundraisers for years to replace an older truck or update life-saving technology and tools, but this loan program enables them to make their purchases now when they can be most beneficial to our community."

The Volunteer Loan Assistance Program (VLAP) provides low-interest loans to volunteer fire companies, ambulance services and rescue squads for the purpose of purchasing and modernizing apparatus, facilities and equipment.

Contact:

Michael Hengst (Sen. Robbins)
(717) 787-1322
Jennifer Algoe Keaton (Rep. Evans)
(717) 705-2094