ROYERSFORD, PA — Ringing in some good news for Pennsylvania’s 44th Senatorial District, State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) announced that thirty fire and emergency medical service (EMS) providers in the area have been awarded $579,015 in state funding. This financial boost is part of the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, a significant annual investment aimed at bolstering community safety and emergency preparedness.
The local funding is a slice of a much larger pie – a whopping $37 million investment spread across more than 2,400 applicants throughout the Commonwealth. The Office of the State Fire Commissioner, responsible for overseeing the grant program, made this announcement, underscoring Pennsylvania’s commitment to its first responders.
“The Fire Company and EMS Grant program is not just about money; it’s about ensuring our first responders have everything they need to keep us safe,” said Sen. Muth, who also serves as the Minority Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “This funding goes towards training, equipment, facilities, and opportunities that are vital in providing life-saving services to our residents.”
Sen. Muth took the opportunity to remind all grant recipients of their obligations under the program. To access the funds, organizations must sign their grant agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by July 1, 2024.
Among the recipients in Senate District 44 are several fire companies from Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. These include Birdsboro-Union Fire Department, East Brandywine Fire Company, and East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association, among others. Additionally, EMS providers such as East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association, Elverson Honey Brook Area EMS, and Keystone Valley Fire Department also received grants.
The grant program, administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner, is an annual opportunity for both volunteer and career fire companies, EMS providers, and rescue squads. The funding can be used for a range of projects, including facility upgrades, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training and certification initiatives, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts.
The funding aims to support local first responders and ensure they have the resources they need to continue providing crucial, life-saving services to the community. As these funds are put to use, residents across Senate District 44 can look forward to seeing their local fire and EMS services further enhanced.
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