2025 First Community Foundation Partnership Grant Recipient

First Community Foundation Partnership Grant Recipient 

Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company #1 was named a grant recipient of the Lycoming County Emergency Services Grant Program.  In mid-December, 2025, First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) notified the volunteers of their award of $10,700 to be used in the purchase of Advanced Rescue Struts.   Upon learning of the grant awarded to them, members applauded and now formally thank  the staff of FCFP for developing the grant program and the contributing members who made the grant possible.  Truly, together we all are “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Many public safety non-profit organizations competed for grants in late 2025.  With the ever- rising costs to provide emergency services to neighbors throughout the region, volunteer fire companies like Loyalsock seek support from donations from residents and neighbors, conduct fundraisers, and apply for state and federal grants.  Also, recognizing the need of the public safety community, this past year, FCFP offered for the first time a grant specific for these agencies to help with the expense of emergency services.  The grant funds for allocation totaled $250,000. Fire companies were awarded a portion of these funds with Loyalsock receiving $10,700. Loyalsock’s grant application sought funds for advanced rescue struts at a cost of over $15,000.  The Loyalsock volunteers committed to financially supplementing the expense of the rescue struts, contributing $5000.  Anyone wishing to assist with this cost can do so by either making a donation on our website via Fire Company "Boot" Donation or by sending donation to the station, 715 Northway Road, Williamsport PA 17701. Loyalsock responded quickly once receiving the award, ordering this emergency safety tool and putting the struts into service.  The volunteers first trained in the classroom setting.  Putting their learning to use, the members staged vehicle rescues outside stabilizing mock vehicle accidents as they will do when responding to emergencies.  Next, the members invited the staff of First Community Foundation Partnership to try out the tool that their sponsored grant afforded the Company (see pictures of trainings below). Part 1 - Classroom Training:

 

  Advanced rescue struts provide stabilization of unsafe surroundings such as vehicles, involved in  motor vehicle accidents, confined space, trench and building collapse, etc.  This tool protects both patients and rescuers from threatening collapse or shifting of the surroundings.  Struts provide stabilization of vehicles in which injured passengers must be protected from sudden movements during extrication.  For those wishing to see this tool at work, follow us on Facebook or at www.station 18.org. Part 2 - Technical Training:

                      

       

           

  Part 3 - First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania Staff Train on Struts:

  About FCFP: The Foundation works to improve the quality of life in north central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets. FCFP strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving. For more information visit www.FCFPartnership.org. Technical struts afford Loyalsock with another tool to share with others – “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”