O’Mara announces nearly $83,000 in grants for local emergency responders

SPRINGFIELD, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, announced seven area fire and EMS companies have been awarded grants through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

“It’s always rewarding to see the state prioritize our emergency responders. They show up during times of crisis and help people overcome some of the scariest, darkest moments of their lives,” O’Mara said. “This funding will help them not only effectively do their jobs, but I hope also serve as a thank you for all that they do.”

Local grants were awarded as follows:

  • Springfield Fire Co.: $15,000.
  • Broomall Fire Co.: $15,000.
  • Radnor Fire Co. of Wayne: $15,000.
  • Radnor Fire Co. of Wayne (EMS): $8,325.
  • Morton Rutledge Fire Co.: $13,000.
  • Marple Township Ambulance Corps.: 8,325.
  • Villanova Emergency Medical Services: $8,325.

The grants can be used for facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training, education and public outreach, recruitment and retention, construction savings accounts, overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters are attending training (career departments only), and revenue loss due to COVID-19 impacts.

“In addition to these grants, we also just passed separate legislation this week to distribute $25 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to emergency services companies throughout the commonwealth,” O’Mara said. “EMS companies are still struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic plus they’ve been seeing a decline in volunteers. I’m proud to do anything I can, both in the House chamber and here in the district, to help support our first responders.”

A complete list of the $29 million in grants awarded statewide through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program can be found at this link: https://www.osfc.pa.gov/GrantsandLoans/Volunteer%20Fire%20Company%20And%20Ambulance%20Grants/Documents/2021-2022-FCEMSGP-Grant-Awards.pdf.