Six fire departments in the Lawrence County area will receive a total of $105,000 in grants for training, equipment and other critical resources.

The grant recipients were announced by Pennsylvania State Representative and Democratic Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Chris Sainato on Thursday.

Sainato says these grants will supply necessary resources to area fire departments that have been operating under tight budgets and severe staff shortages.

"The funding won't solve the long-term recruitment and retention problems plaguing fire and EMS companies throughout the state ... But for now, we can at least replenish resources and address immediate needs like equipment, training and certification, building repairs and other expenses," Sainato said.

The following Lawrence County departments will be receiving funds from this grant:

- Hickory Township Volunteer Fire Co: $15,000 

- Mahoning Township Volunteer Fire Dept: $15,000

- Neshannock Township Volunteer Fire Dept: $15,000

- North Beaver Township Volunteer Fire Dept: $15,000

- Shenango Area Fire District: $30,000

- Union Township Fireman's Association - $15,000

The grants come from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, which is offered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.