Our local fire and emergency medical services (EMS) organizations are in crisis. Rising costs, lack of funds, and staffing shortages have all contributed to delayed response times and the closure of several companies across our Commonwealth. The system in place has left our fire and EMS companies understaffed and underfunded, and we must act now.
Currently, about $31.5 million in state money is distributed each year to more than 2,500 fire, rescue, and EMS companies across the Commonwealth through the Fire Company and EMS (FCEMS) Grant Programs, which are set to expire this year. That investment is too low, and the money is distributed via an outdated system that leaves out key sectors of emergency response.
Governor Shapiro has requested an additional $30 million in his 2024-25 budget – a doubling of the current amount – to support the grant program that partially funds Pennsylvania’s fire, rescue, and EMS companies. This proposed investment presents a unique opportunity to modernize and right-size our contributions to many of our vital public safety agencies and the people who answer the call.
Soon, we plan to introduce a forward-looking plan for the FCEMS Grant Programs. The bill will reauthorize state funding and leverage this new investment to restructure how Pennsylvania funds fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to match modern needs by:
- Reauthorizing the existing FCEMS Grant Programs through 2029, authorizing higher awards for eligible companies, and allowing basic life support squads and quick response services to receive grants, all while building additional flexibility and accountability into the programs.
- Creating new grant programs to support volunteer rescue companies, hazardous materials teams, and specialty teams, as well as setting up a county-based fire service modernization grant to facilitate needed mergers, consolidations, and sharing of services.
Our first responders provide life-saving care to people across the Commonwealth; they are the backbone of Pennsylvania’s public safety system. We need to support them so they can do their job to the best of their ability. Please join us in co-sponsoring this landmark legislation that will invest a record amount of public funds to support our fire and EMS companies and keep the people of Pennsylvania safe.
Statutes/Laws affected: Printer's No. 3294: 35-7102, 35-7382, P.L.1036, No.208
Printer's No. 3366: P.L.639, NO.165, P.L.1036, No.208, P.L.343, NO.176, P.L.343, No.176
Printer's No. 3420: 35-7102, P.L.639, No.165, P.L.1036, No.208, P.L.343, No.176
Printer's No. 3428: 35-7102, P.L.639, No.165, P.L.1036, No.208, P.L.343, No.176