Benham announces nearly $60K in funding for fire, emergency medical services in 36th District
Rep. Jessica Benham June 29, 2021 | 4:29 PM
State Rep. Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, announced today that a total of $59,499.12 is being awarded to local volunteer fire and emergency medical service companies.
According to Benham, the funding is provided by the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. Overseen by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, this annual program provides funding opportunities for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.
“Throughout these past 15 months, our first responders have stepped up to answer the call over and over,” Benham said. “Sadly, as the demand and need for help continued to rise in our communities here in Allegheny County and across the commonwealth, so did operating costs. Mitigation efforts greatly impacted how our volunteer fire and EMS companies were able to fundraise. Today’s announcement will bring much needed financial assistance as we continue to work toward a post-pandemic future.”
The grant awards are as follows:
- Brentwood EMS: $8,993.20.
- Brentwood Volunteer Fire Company: $12,233.23.
- City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire: $14,999.
- City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire/EMS: $8,545.
- Mount Oliver Hook and Ladder Company: $14,728.69.
Benham explained that eligible organizations can use the grants for facilities and equipment, debt reduction, training and education, recruitment and retention, and to supplement operational expenses incurred by lack of opportunity for fundraising and inability to create revenue due to compliance with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
More information on the grant program can be found by clicking here.