HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett has ceremonially signed the Firefighter Grant Program law, also known as Senate Bill 866, providing grant money for Pennsylvania’s fire, ambulance and emergency companies.
“Since that day in 1736, when Benjamin Franklin organized the first fire brigade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has been blessed with a rich tradition of volunteers,” Corbett said.
“Today, as a state, we are able to show our gratitude by making certain these men and women have the equipment they need to do their jobs well and safely,” Corbett said.
The legislation, which became law on June 29, reauthorizes and expands a program that provides grants to fire companies, rescue and ambulance services, to help finance the purchase of equipment and other needs. For the first time, funds will be available for paid, as well as volunteer, fire companies.
Corbett thanked Sens. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) as well as Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester), for their efforts, not only in getting the program renewed, but the funding expanded from $25 to $30 million.
“Governor Corbett’s support in pursuing the reauthorization of this grant program was instrumental in moving it through the state legislature,” said State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann , whose agency administers the funds.
“This program provides vital funding to the fire and rescue organizations across the state, and it’s reassuring to know that our elected officials recognize the importance of the work that our emergency response personnel do each and every day,” Mann said.
Corbett, accompanied by Mann and members of the General Assembly, signed the legislation in a ceremony this morning at the Advance Rescue Fire Company in Harrisburg.
For more information, visit www.pa.gov.