During a meeting with Lancaster, Pa. firefighters, Gov. Josh Shapiro used the opportunity to pitch his $36 million plan for equipment, training and staffing for firefighters and EMS providers, along with a more than $50 million proposal for county 9-1-1 systems.
According to the state, Pennsylvania had 22,000 fewer volunteer firefighters in 2018 than it did in the early 2000s and at least 6,000 fewer emergency medical technicians compared to 2012. Further, 20 percent of full-time 9-1-1 communications jobs remain unfilled statewide. This, the government stressed, highlights a shortage of first responders and EMS providers local communities need to maintain safety.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves to be safe and feel safe in their community, and creating safer communities across the Commonwealth starts by investing in the first responders and law enforcement personnel who always have our backs – which is a top priority for my Administration,” Shapiro said during a meeting with the Lancaster Fire Bureau and members of the International Association of Firefighters and the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association.
The proposed funds were included in Shapiro’s first budget. On top of the straight up funding for these initiatives, that budget would also tie the $50 million in 9-1-1 funding to the cost of living to guarantee it keeps pace with rising costs. Beyond this, a $1.5 million investment was proposed for the Municipal Assistance Program, to support local governments and counties to implement emergency support services. Shapiro also recommended creation of the Public Safety and Protection Fund, offering funding for the recruitment and retention of state police, and providing a tax credit of up to $2,500 for new officers.
“We must recognize the vital role that our firefighters, EMS providers, and 911 dispatch centers play in keeping our communities safe,” Todd Hutchinson, Lancaster City Bureau of Fire Chief, said. “Supporting firefighters and first responders with funding is an essential way to ensure that they have the resources they need to continue to protect our communities and keep us safe. I would like to thank Governor Shapiro for his support and dedication for making all of Pennsylvania a safer place to live and continuing to give our first responders the tools and resources needed to do our jobs.”