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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: James M. Dawes Communications Director Professional Licensure Committee |
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Majority Deputy Whip Chairman, Professional Licensure Committee
State Rep. Tim Solobay D-Washington |
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Sturla and Solobay introduce bill to help municipal firefighters and emergency services organizations
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Reps. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and Tim Solobay, D-Washington, have introduced a bill (H.B. 1069) that would create an $8 million grant program for municipal fire and emergency service organizations.
“With the state considering renewing its $25 million grant program for volunteer fire companies and ambulance services, I think it is fair to also provide some state funding for our paid fire and emergency services departments,” Sturla said. “These paid departments struggle every day to meet increasing demands with dwindling local tax revenues. Our bill would help municipal firefighters get the protective gear and modern equipment they need.”
Solobay added, “Our legislation would not affect the grant program for volunteer fire companies and ambulance services, rather it would merely support the municipal forces, such as the City of Washington Fire Department. It is critical that we give state assistance to all of these companies, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteers, because of the outstanding protection and care they provide Pennsylvania’s communities.”
Under the Sturla-Solobay bill, the Municipal Fire and Emergency Service Organization Grant Program would be available to non-volunteer fire companies or emergency services departments that provide fire protection or emergency services, such as basic and advanced life support services and response to fires, vehicle accidents and water rescues. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency would oversee the program, and awarded grants would range from $10,000 to $1 million.
Sturla noted that there are approximately 23 paid municipal fire companies throughout the state with 73 additional companies that are a combination of paid municipal employees and volunteers. Solobay said that paid municipal fire and emergency service personnel service over 3 million Pennsylvania residents, which is 25 percent of the state’s total population.
H.B. 1069 has been referred to the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
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