Pa. State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook visits Monroeville Fire and EMS Show to promote Gov. Shapiro's funding plan
MONROEVILLE, Pa. (KDKA) - The state fire commissioner was in town for the Monroeville Fire and EMS Show to tout the governor's plan to double funding for the fire and EMS grant to $60 million.
Gone are the days of fish fries and hoagie sales that allow fire departments and first responders to raise money. Pa. State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook says the state is experiencing sharp increases in operating costs with no increase in funding.
"Right now, Pennsylvania is facing two critical issues with fire service in general. The first is a funding issue, where a pumper will cost upwards of a million dollars. You can't buy that anymore by doing fish fries, hoagie sales and strip tickets."
Gov. Shapiro is proposing a new budget for the grants to double to $60 million, hoping to update outdated safety equipment and provide additional training.
"Our grant program is a very important supplemental funding source for them to be able to acquire the equipment and the tools that they need to protect the civilians and the visitors in the commonwealth," Cook added.
Most importantly, more grant money will help first responders recruit more people.
"We've seen a decrease in available personnel; the second critical thing we are looking at in the commonwealth is the whole recruitment and retention of people."
It is a simple application process online to apply for a grant, and the fire commissioner says they dole out the money equally, and the same process goes to EMS.
"In some cases, this grant is the only thing that pays the electric bill to keep the fire department open. It is very critical to the future of the fire service moving forward."