March 19, 2024 - Shavertown, PA
The Shapiro Administration made stops at Shavertown Fire Company in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Americus Hose Company in Northcentral Pennsylvania to discuss how the 2024-25 budget proposal to increase the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Grant Program to $60 million will help communities' critical first responders recruit more people, update outdated safety equipment, and provide additional training. "Our first responders take great risks every day to protect communities across the Commonwealth," Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. "These additional investments in the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's (OSFC) Fire and EMS Grant Program will support the good work they do by helping departments pay for the ever-rising costs of public safety." The Governor's proposal will double funding to $60 million from the $30 million the program receives today. The grant is open to fire, EMS, and volunteer rescue squad organizations across the Commonwealth, covering a variety of eligible expenses including purchase or repair of ambulances and fire trucks, firefighting and medical gear and tools, training materials and certifications, recruitment and retention materials, construction and upgrades to buildings, and debt reduction. Speakers Include: Ryan Moss, Shavertown Fire Company President & Deputy ChiefThomas Cook, State Fire CommissionerDr. Wendy Braund, Department Health Secretary for Health Preparedness & Community Protection
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website