For the second time in three months, State Senator Steve Santarsiero (SD-10) delivered needed funding for Bucks County, this time by securing over $328,000 in Grants for Local Fire and EMS Units.
The awards were secured via the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, an agency responsible for the operation of the State Fire Academy Training. Funding of this nature is available to Pennsylvania fire departments and emergency medical services by way of a grant program to support equipment, training, debt reduction and related endeavors.
“It is critical that we support our fire companies and EMS workers, who keep our loved ones safe every day by putting themselves on the front lines,” Sen. Santarsiero said. “Our communities are a safer and better place as a result of these brave men and women. This funding will help ensure that they have the resources they need to continue their vital work.”
Funds secure via the grant will benefit:
America Hose Hook and Ladder Company- $13,580.66
Bristol Consolidated Volunteer Fire Co- $13,826.29
Bristol Township Fire District- $14,071.92
Bristol Vol CPNY Number 6- $13,580.66
Bucks County Rescue Squad- $10,000
Central Bucks Ambulance & Rescue Unit- $6,088
Chalfont Chemical Fire Engine Company No 1- $15,000
Chalfont Emergency Medical Service Inc- $10,000
Croydon Fire Co No 1- $15,000
Edgely Fire Co No 1 Inc- $15,000
Fairless Hills Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
Levittown Fairless Hills Rescue Squad Inc-$10,000
Levittown Fire Company Number 1- $14,808.81
Midway Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
Morrisville Fire Company- $14,317.55
New Hope Eagle Fire Company- $15,000
Newtown American Legion Ambulance Squad Inc- $10,000
Newtown Fire Association- $15,000
Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Co- $15,000
Point Pleasant Plumsteadville EMS- $10,000
Third District Fire Company 1- $15,000
Tullytown Fire Company- $12,843.77
Upper Makefield Fire Co- $15,000
Yardley Makefield Emergency Unit- $10,000
Yardley Makefield Fire Company- $15,000
Pennsylvania has approximately 2,448 fire companies of which 90% are staffed by volunteers.
Significant decreases in the number of volunteer firefighters has become problematic and reflects a nationwide crisis.
“In Pennsylvania, the number of firefighters is estimated to be between 36,000 and 38,000,” wrote Fire Fighters Close Calls in 2022.
According to The National Volunteer Fire Council and the state Department of Community and Economic Development, there were approximately 360,000 volunteers in 1975.
