SENATE ACTS ON REGOLA’S FIRE & EMS BILL

Legislation supports emergency responders grant program

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The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Regola today.  Senate Bill 10, a top priority of the Senate Republican Caucus, would reauthorize a state grant program that provides essential financial support for volunteer firefighters and ambulance services. 

“Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services crews provide a tremendous and invaluable service to our communities,” Senator Regola said.  “I strongly support this grant program as way to show our support for their work.  This is a vital program that deserves to be reauthorized and funded on a regular basis.”  

Since 2000, the General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the PA Emergency Management Agency to provide grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments.  Senate Bill 10 would update and reauthorize the grant program for 2007. 

“The program was created to help volunteer emergency responders purchase new equipment and improve their stations,” Sen. Regola said.  “Without question, it has been highly successful -- reaching all corners of our Commonwealth.  These volunteers stand on the front lines every day to protect our communities.  This grant program aims to make their job protecting us easier.”

“I am well aware of the financial and recruiting problems many of our volunteer departments face,” Sen. Regola said.  “Vehicles cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Clothing and personal equipment can cost thousands of dollars and construction and maintenance of stations can be beyond the means of many departments.  That’s why this grant program is important for those organizations and the communities they serve.”

Senate Bill 10 now moves onto the full Senate for consideration. 

Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063