Nine fire and emergency medical service departments in the county will receive more than $277,000 in state grants through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

“Our first responders, the people who keep us safe 24/7, deserve this funding,” said state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th. “These state funds will help to ensure they have the equipment and training necessary to continue the important work of protecting lives and property.”

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training or reduction of existing debt. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not General Fund tax revenue.

Recipients and grant amounts are Butler City Fire Department, $25,342; Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, $71,342; Chicora Community Hose and Relief Association, $24,657; East Butler Volunteer Fire Department, $23,151; Herman Township Volunteer Fire Department, $24,794; Oakland Township — Oneida Valley Volunteer Fire Company, $23,151; Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department, $23,836; Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company, $24,794; Butler Ambulance Service Company, $5,856; East Butler EMS, $15,048; and Saxonburg Ambulance Company, $15,048.