One-Time Grant Proposed for PA Volunteer FDs, EMS Agencies

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Volunteer fire and EMS companies could benefit from a new grant program that would be created under legislation planned by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta and a colleague.

In a press release, Bartolotta, R-46, Carroll Township, Washington County, and state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana County, said the bill would establish a "special one-time grant program" to help companies survive the financial crisis brought on by the coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic.

"COVID-19 has severely restricted many of the ways that our volunteer first responders traditionally raise money, like boot drives and chicken barbecues," Bartolotta said.

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"The needs of these organizations are even greater now as they respond to the statewide public health emergency this virus has caused," she said. "This program will ensure the men and women on the front lines in the battle against the coronavirus will continue to have the training, supplies and equipment they need to keep our communities — and themselves — safe."

Under the bill, one-time grants would be provided to fire and EMS companies matching the ones that were previously approved by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the state fire commissioner for the 2019-20 fiscal year.

The bill would also allow fire and EMS companies that might have not applied for the original grant to do so. Funding for the $30 million grant program would come from federal stimulus money allocated to the state, the senators said.

"As we continue to see the impact of COVID-19 on the commonwealth, it is evident that our volunteer fire companies and emergency medical services squads need immediate financial assistance," Pittman said in the statement.

"These organizations are on the front lines during this crisis," he said. "Not only are they being asked to expose themselves to this deadly virus, but the inability to fund raise and a reduction in non-emergency calls are taking a significant financial toll on their operations."

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