Senator Gene Yaw announced on April 20 that the Knoxville-Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded $250,000 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program. The funding will support flood recovery efforts and help construct a new fire station in Tioga County.
The grant responds to damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024, which highlighted the need for more resilient emergency response facilities outside flood-prone areas. This issue prompted local officials to seek resources for safer infrastructure.
“Protecting our communities means making sure our local first responders have the equipment and infrastructure they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently,” Yaw said. “I’m pleased to have secured this funding for the Fire Company and I’m proud to support their ongoing efforts to upgrade their facilities.”
Chief Mike Bloom of the Knoxville-Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company said, “Our current building no longer meets the needs of our department, and we have experienced flooding at this location twice. This grant is a major step toward building a facility that better serves our community. We are extremely grateful to Sen. Gene Yaw and his team for their continued support and for helping make this opportunity possible.”
Yaw has contributed to community activities by coaching Little League Baseball and youth soccer, according to the official website. He also received recognition as Lycoming County Solicitor of the Year in 2004 according to his official website. In addition, he provided general counsel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology for over two decades and has chaired its board since 2013 according to his official website.
Yaw chaired the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee while serving as vice chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee according to his official website. He represents areas including Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties according to his official website.
Constituents seeking more information can visit Senator Yaw’s website or follow him on social media.
