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DICKSON CITY \u2014 Gov. Josh Shapiro visited the Dickson City Fire Department \u2014 also known as the Eagle Hose Company No. 1 \u2014 on Tuesday to thank first responders for their \u201cheroic efforts\u201d in response to the Lehigh Valley Hospital fire last week.<\/p>\n
Shapiro and State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook also highlighted how the 2026-27 proposed budget continues to deliver for firefighters and first responders.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm,\u201d Shapiro said. \u201cWe owe it to these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The governor said Pennsylvania\u2019s career and volunteer firefighters put themselves in harm\u2019s way to protect communities across the Commonwealth. He said he has been a strong advocate for increasing state support for fire departments.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why, for the second year in a row, the governor\u2019s proposed budget includes a new $30 million investment \u2014 nearly doubling annual funding for fire departments \u2014 in competitive grants.<\/p>\n
Shapiro said these grants will provide critical financial support to both volunteer and career fire departments statewide by funding major equipment purchases, training, facility improvements, debt reduction, and other essential operational expenses \u2014 ensuring Pennsylvanians in every community are protected.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the Commonwealth already provides funding for fire companies, the current system doesn\u2019t allow departments to make major investments \u2014 these competitive grants would change that,\u201d Shapiro said. \u201cPublic safety is at the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shapiro\u2019s proposed $30 million competitive grant program builds on a $37 million investment in the FY 2025-26 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) Program, which is awarding 2,510 grants to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads across the Commonwealth.<\/p>\n
The FCEMS Program, administered through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, provides annual, formula-based funding to eligible organizations, with grants up to $20,000 for fire companies and up to $15,000 for EMS companies.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur firefighters and EMS personnel answer the call every day, often under challenging conditions and with limited resources,\u201d said Cook. \u201cFire and EMS companies are facing increased call volumes, rising costs, and ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. These grants help ensure departments can maintain readiness, improve safety, and continue serving their communities effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dickson City Fire Department is a fully volunteer fire service with 60 members, operating one fire engine, one ladder truck, and one rescue truck. Last year, the department responded to over 300 calls, serving approximately 6,600 residents in the Borough of Dickson City.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe pulled off the impossible last week,\u201d said Chief Richard Chowanec. \u201cIt\u2019s vital to the fire service in the state of Pennsylvania to keep this funding coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since February 2023, the Shapiro Administration has awarded more than $140 million through the FCEMS Grant Program to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads throughout Pennsylvania to support training, equipment, facilities, and operations.<\/p>\n