Bizzarro: Eight local fire, EMS departments land crucial grants
$126K coming to purchase new equipment, bolster training efforts
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro February 10, 2025 | 3:58 PM
Erie, Feb. 10 – Cash to keep local fire and EMS departments answering the call has been awarded in Millcreek and Fairview Townships, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced today.
“Making sure our first responders get what they need is a top priority of mine,” Bizzarro said. “Local volunteers tell me they want to focus on training and saving lives, but because of the dwindling number of volunteers, fundraising and recruitment have taken on added importance. Every dollar from these grants is one less dollar that has to be fundraised.”
Eight local fire, rescue and EMS departments had their funding approved:
- $28,094 for Fairview Fire & Rescue.
- $16,164 for the Lake Shore Fire Department.
- $15,461 for the Millcreek Township Bureau of Fire Incident Response.
- $15,000 for Millcreek Paramedics.
- $14,600 for the West Lake Fire Department.
- $13,955 for the Kearsarge Fire Department.
- $13,524 for the Belle Valley Fire Department.
- $9,418 for the West Ridge Fire Department.
The money comes from the Office of State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant. Eligible organizations can apply for grant funding for a combination of up to two projects including building construction and/or renovation, purchasing or repair of equipment, personnel training, recruit and retention or public education and more. Departments still have paperwork to complete before the funds can be distributed.
“I will do whatever I can to ensure our local volunteers receive the funding they need from the state so our community has the protection we need for emergencies,” Bizzarro said.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to properly fund first responders, schools, workforce development, nonprofits, public works, utilities and local businesses in Erie County. In just the first two months of the 2025-2026 legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure $715,000 in grant funding for Erie County. Since 2023, Bizzarro helped secure approximately $93 million in funding for Erie County projects.