Brennan: Nearly $100K awarded to local fire companies, EMS
Rep. Tim Brennan February 20, 2024 | 5:16 PM
DOYLESTOWN, Feb. 20 – Rep. Tim Brennan, D-Bucks, announced today the Office of the State Fire Commissioner awarded $95,841 to equip firefighters and EMS providers with the resources to respond to emergencies in the 29th Legislative District of Bucks County.
The organizations that received grants are:
- Central Bucks Ambulance & Rescue Unit - $15,000 (EMS).
- Chal-Brit Regional EMS (Chalfont Emergency Medical Service Inc.) - $15,000 (EMS).
- Chalfont Fire Co. - $16,952 (Fire).
- Doylestown Fire Co. - $16,952 (Fire).
- Midway Volunteer Fire Co. - $16,952 (Fire).
- New Hope Eagle Fire Co. - $14,985 (Fire).
“The firefighters and EMS workers behind these organizations show up for their neighbors in their most desperate times of need, often placing themselves at risk,” Brennan said. “They are our local heroes and, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know we must take steps to provide them with the resources they need. These men and women – who often serve in a volunteer capacity – deserve our support and every resource possible to help keep them safe and our community protected.”
“During this session, I’ll continue promoting bills to support these men and women, including my own bills to establish a Volunteer Firefighter Pension Service Award Fund and to cover post-traumatic stress injuries for first responders under worker’s compensation,” Brennan continued.
The OSFC grants are from its Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, authorized by Act 91 of 2020 until June 30, 2024. Brennan supports legislative efforts to reauthorize and double the size of the program to $60 million in this year’s state budget.
Fire and EMS companies may use the funding for the following types of projects:
- Construction and/or renovation of facilities.
- Purchase or repair of fixtures, equipment and furnishings necessary for the provision of fire, ambulance and rescue services.
- Reduction of debt associated with facilities or equipment.
- Training and certification of members.
- Materials for fire prevention education for the public.
- Programs aimed at attracting and retaining volunteer firefighters.
A full list of fire and EMS companies awarded grants statewide is available here.
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