HARRISBURG – Volunteer fire and EMS companies can register now for grants to help deal with the increased costs for services and reduced fundraising opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46).
Under the program guidelines announced this week, the COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program will provide a one-time grant to all companies that received funding through the Fire Company Grant Program and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program (FCEMSGP) in the latest round of funding.
Companies that were awarded funding through the program earlier this year must register to receive the additional funding from the new one-time program. Grant amounts will match the amount received from the FCEMSGP in 2019-20.
All surplus funding in the program will be distributed to each eligible company that meets the funding criteria and that submits a completed registration, including those that did not receive a 2019-2020 FCEMSGP grant award.
Companies can register for the grants at the Office of State Fire Commissioner’s website by following the COVID-19 Fire, Rescue and EMS Grant Instructions.
The grant program was created by legislation introduced by Senator Bartolotta and Senator Joe Pittman (R-41).
“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an enormous strain on the fire and EMS companies we rely on to protect our lives during an emergency,” Bartolotta said. “The increased needs for cleaning and protective equipment coupled with the loss of revenue from cancelled fundraisers has created a severe shortfall that threatens these lifesaving services. I encourage our local companies to register to receive their share of this funding so they can continue to serve our communities when we need them most.”
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463