By Kathleen E. Carey
Daily Times
DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. — In Delaware County, 52 fire companies and departments and 17 emergency medical services providers will receive more than $1 million from the state for providing these frontline services for residents.
Delaware County’s allotment was part of a $37 million funding to more than 2,500 fire departments and Emergency Medical Services companies across Pennsylvania through the commonwealth’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
This funding is meant to assist in equipment purchases, training, facility upgrades and other operational costs.
“Our firefighters and EMS personnel selflessly dedicate themselves to keeping our communities safe, often with limited resources,” State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “This funding is a testament to the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring that fire companies and EMS agencies — both career and volunteer — have the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and safely.”
Locally, elected officials spoke about what this funding will mean for the first providers in their neighborhoods.
“These grants are crucial investments in the safety and security of our communities,” state Sen. Tim Kearney, D-26, of Swarthmore, said. “Our firefighters and EMS personnel dedicate their lives to protecting us, often putting themselves in harm’s way. By securing this funding, we ensure they have resources needed to respond effectively in emergencies, enhance their services, and keep our residents safe.”
“This funding provides important resources to support our first responders,” state Rep. Craig Williams, R-160, of Chadds Ford, said. “Our fire and EMS personnel put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and these grants will help ease the financial pressure on these organizations. I am grateful for the dedication of our first responders and will continue to support efforts to strengthen emergency services in our district.
He explained to his constituents that this funding actually comes from proceeds from slot machine gaming not Pennsylvania’s general fund, fueled by tax revenue. In addition, he explained that this grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
The companies can use these dollars for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire prevention, and reduction of existing debt
Williams said all companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding.
“I am pleased that the Shapiro administration is continuing to support our first responders,” state Rep. Gina Curry, D-164, of Upper Darby, said. “This funding will go towards helping our fire companies with their greatest needs. I am committed to getting our local departments the funding they need to provide the best services.”
“This funding will help provide essential resources, upgrade equipment and support the brave first responders who keep us safe every day,” state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165, of Springfield said. “A huge thank you to our local firefighters for their dedication and service!”
“Congratulations to these hard-working first responders who keep our communities safe in the face of danger,” state Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-161, of Nether Providence, said. “Fire and EMS companies provide essential life-saving services and deserve every cent of this funding. I am pleased to work with our local companies to help them realize these funding opportunities so they can continue to protect our neighbors in need.”
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