The Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) administers the annual Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) Grant Program which benefits hundreds of first responder organizations across Pennsylvania. In the 2024-2025 grant cycle, 2,540 companies received anywhere from $3,500 to $50,600. While so many organizations rely on this program each year, it needs to be updated to reflect the current landscape of first response in Pennsylvania.  

 

That is why I plan to introduce legislation to make critical updates to the program. For example, this money can only be used for specified expenses, and I believe we should allow companies to use it to better support their volunteers and staff. My legislation will address the fact that firefighters have been exposed to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams and turnout gear for decades by allowing companies to use FCEMS grant funds for cancer screenings and other preventative health measures, in addition to mental health awareness and treatment. 

 

In response to the skyrocketing costs of equipment and apparatus, my legislation will raise the grant limits for different classes of companies, making fire companies and highly trained EMS ambulance units eligible for additional funding. This bill will also update the method by which OSFC can extend additional funding beyond the established grant limits to consider the makeup of a unit’s response area including factors such as the population, total land area, and unique geography of the region. To better reflect the fact that many fire and EMS companies across the state have added paid positions to supplement the shrinking volunteer force, my legislation makes sure that combination paid and volunteer companies are eligible for existing consolidation incentives. My bill will also create a similar grant program to support hazardous materials teams and other specialty teams that our communities rely on to respond in special circumstances. 

 

This legislation will make it easier for companies to apply for this funding by urging OSFC to streamline the process into a single electronic application. Most importantly, this bill identifies the funding streams that can be utilized to pay for these expansions. Please join me in introducing this legislation to ensure we can best support our volunteer and paid first responders in every corner of Pennsylvania.