Shusterman applauds state grants for local fire and EMS companies
Rep. Melissa Shusterman February 11, 2022 | 11:28 AM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today $74,774.10 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants.
“Our first responders work tirelessly to protect us while also putting themselves in danger,” said Shusterman. “However, many of these organizations are struggling with staffing and funding and they need our help more than ever. I am hopeful these grants will help them to continue serving their communities.”
The grants were awarded to the following local fire and rescue departments:
- Friendship Diving Rescue Unit: $15,000.
- Paoli Fire Company: $13,124.00 (Fire) and $8,325.05 (EMS).
- Phoenix Hose Hook & Ladder Co No 1: $15,000.
- Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company: $15,000.00 (Fire) and $8,325.05 (EMS).
These grants are administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings account, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only) and revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts.
All fire companies, emergency medical service and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program.
A full list of fire and EMS companies awarded grants this year statewide is available here.