Mt. Lebanon, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department to thank first responders for their work and highlight key proposals in his 2025-26 proposed budget aimed at strengthening fire companies and preventing disasters before they happen.
In the face of significant danger, Pennsylvania’s professional and volunteer firefighters continue to rise to the challenge and protect our communities, responding to more calls even as their ranks decline. That’s why the Governor is continuing to advocate for more state support to help firefighters get the equipment, personnel, and resources they need to build safer communities for all Pennsylvanians.
Governor Shapiro has witnessed firsthand how firefighters run towards danger to keep us safe. Last week, the Governor and the First Family joined Chef Robert Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation at Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1 to thank the firefighters who responded to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence. He also visited and talked to firefighters at Bethlehem Fire Department in Lehigh County.
“A little over a week ago, my family and I saw firsthand the incredible bravery and professionalism of our firefighters and first responders,” said Governor Shapiro. “These heroes run toward danger every single day to protect their communities, and we have a responsibility to support them. That’s why my proposed budget includes real investments — creating a new competitive grant program so fire companies can buy the equipment they need, funding annual cancer screenings for firefighters, and launching a pilot program to help local departments collaborate and share services. I’ve seen the very best of Pennsylvania’s fire service in action, and I’m committed to making sure the Commonwealth continues to have their backs.”
“Firefighters are facing challenging times, and we’re facing changing demands which require new strategies,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “Nearly every fire company is facing issues with recruiting new members and purchasing new equipment, so we need to give local companies new tools to deal with the issues they face every day in their communities. That’s why our new competitive grant program is so important. And I’m especially excited about the new incentives — incentives for collaboration — and that’s what the Governor’s budget offers this year. Pennsylvanians are demanding that we take off our red jerseys and our blue jerseys — and put on our Pennsylvania jerseys.”
The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department responds to more than 2,000 calls annually, serving a community of 34,000 residents across 6.6 square miles. Operating from one fire station on Washington Road, the department fields a team of 65 firefighters – a combination of 18 career and 47 volunteer personnel — represented by International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 5089. Their fleet includes three engines, a truck, a heavy rescue vehicle, five squads, and two staff vehicles, ensuring comprehensive emergency response coverage.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, the Commonwealth has invested more than $1.1 million in the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department to support the construction of a fire training facility and to modernize Station I. Additional support from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program from the Office of the State Fire Commission (OSFC) provided $15,204 to purchase rescue lifting bags and a master air control kit, along with $15,000 to upgrade aging audio-visual equipment in the department’s Command Training Center.
“Our department is proud to be recognized at the GOLD level by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner — a reflection of our long-standing commitment to forward-thinking education, rigorous training, and excellent service delivery. But beyond the certifications and equipment, what truly defines us is our passion for the job and our dedication to serving Mt. Lebanon’s residents, business owners, and visitors,” said Mt. Lebanon Fire Chief Kurt Christofel. “One of the hallmarks of our department is our deep collaboration with neighboring fire companies — training and responding together to better protect our communities. We’re especially grateful for the Commonwealth’s support, including funding that helped us complete our new fire training center last year.
That facility is now a regional asset, helping us and our mutual aid partners prepare for real-world emergencies and continue delivering the highest level of service. As fire departments across Pennsylvania face new challenges — from rising costs to the physical and mental toll on first responders — investments like these proposed by Governor Shapiro are more important than ever. We appreciate his focus on not just equipment and training, but on the health, safety, and well-being of the firefighters who show up every day ready to serve.”
While there is a foundation of support for fire companies like Mt. Lebanon at the state level, the current system makes it hard for companies to make a single big purchase or equipment upgrade – especially for resources like new fire trucks that cost more than the state’s current grant program would provide. That’s why Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes three major initiatives to continue to support and sustain Pennsylvania’s fire service:
- Creating a new $30 million competitive grant program for fire companies to help them purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique local needs — in addition to the $30 million that is already distributed to fire companies annually.
- Establishing a pilot program to help municipal fire companies work together and share resources more efficiently through cooperative service models.
- Covering annual cancer screenings for firefighters, recognizing the chemical exposures and health risks they face on the job.
“As the demand for fire service continues to rise, so do operating costs — all while municipalities face their own financial challenges,” said Ralph Sicuro, President, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1. “Governor Shapiro’s proposed grant program and pilot initiative will help ensure fire departments have the equipment, training, and personnel they need to meet that growing demand. But the greatest resource the fire service has — without a doubt — is the firefighters themselves. The Governor’s proposed cancer screening program will save lives through early detection and treatment. It won’t just improve survival rates — it will help return more firefighters to the communities they love to serve. Governor Shapiro stands firm in his commitment to make sure firefighters have the tools, training, and support they need to protect our communities.”
“I see leaders here from every level of government, and this is a team sport for all of us — from the Governor on down. And it really takes all of us,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “I think every single one of us has to have public safety as a priority in our jobs. That means prioritizing our first responders and getting them the resources that they need. I work as best I can to support them from Washington, but the Governor’s budget request responds directly to that challenging budget situation for these departments — offering $30 million in new grant opportunities for fire departments to purchase new equipment, a new pilot program you’ve heard about to encourage collaboration across fire departments who want to work together and share services, and of course, the really important funding for firefighter cancer screening. We need state leadership like you’re seeing from the Governor right now in this moment.”
“We’ve known for a long time that the number of firefighters is dwindling, and if we want to keep our communities safe, we need to ensure they have the tools, training, and support they need. That’s why I’m so pleased Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes $30 million in new funding for competitive grants for fire companies — and just as importantly, a pilot program to encourage collaboration and service sharing between departments,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “We see every day at the municipal level that sharing services isn’t just smart — it’s necessary. Here in Allegheny County, we’re already embracing that model. We’ve consolidated 9-1-1 services and are now making a historic $80 million investment to replace our legacy radio system with a modern, ultra-high frequency network. Nearly 400 police, fire, EMS, and 9-1-1 agencies will rely on it — something no single department could do alone. This is the kind of coordinated, forward-looking investment that public safety demands. I want to thank everyone here today and urge my colleagues in Harrisburg to pass a budget that meets the moment — one that supports our first responders and gives municipalities the tools they need to serve their communities.”
“We know that fire companies throughout the county — and in the city — face incredible challenges every day. That’s why I support the Governor’s budget proposal that provides $30 million more for competitive grants for our fire companies,” said Senator Wayne Fontana. “This will help fire companies who are struggling to purchase equipment and recruit and retain firefighters. I also support the Governor’s pilot program — incentives for cooperation between fire companies. Fire companies want to collaborate and share services, and it only makes sense that we make it easier for them to do so. Firefighters and our first responders aren’t bound by municipal lines or boundaries — they look out for and help one another. That’s the real definition of community. I commend Governor Shapiro for working with everyone, regardless of party, to keep getting stuff done for all Pennsylvanians.”
“From schools to jobs to places of worship, every Pennsylvanian deserves to live and move freely through safe communities that welcome them,” said Senator Jay Costa. “I’m so grateful that the Shapiro administration has invested heavily in the solutions that keep us safe, from supporting our first responders to promoting gun safety throughout the commonwealth. My fellow Senate Democrats and I look forward to continuing to fight for legislation and a budget that capitalizes on this incredible momentum.”
“No firefighter joins the department because they like bingo or want to stand at an intersection with a boot — they do it to help,” said Representative Dan Miller. “But too many departments are struggling because their gear is outdated, their apparatus is old, or the community structure has changed. Volunteers are juggling more than ever, and training is tougher to complete. That’s why the Governor’s budget is not only right — it’s necessary. Firefighters show up no matter the call, and it’s time Harrisburg shows up for them. I know the Governor and Lieutenant Governor would triple this funding if they could — because they see the challenges ahead. Pennsylvania has more volunteer firefighters than any other state. This plan meets the moment, and it needs to pass now. No debate.”
“When I think about my local fire departments — the first on the scene at a bridge collapse, responding to heartbreaking gun violence, or rescuing people from the river — it’s clear their ability to save lives shouldn’t depend on funds from fish fry fundraisers,” said Representative Abigail Salisbury. “I’m thrilled the Governor is stepping up to support these essential service providers in such a meaningful way.”
The Governor’s proposed investments in firefighters build on a strong foundation of support that Governor Shapiro has already delivered on:
- In the 2024-25 budget, the Governor invested $37.5 million in grants to over 2,500 local fire and EMS departments, supporting equipment, training, facility upgrades, and operational costs.
- In his first budget, the Governor secured an increase to the 911 surcharge, from $1.65 to $1.95 — increasing critical emergency funding for all 61 emergency call centers across the Commonwealth and strengthening emergency services in all 67 counties.
- In October 2024, the Governor signed legislation expanding worker’s compensation to include post-traumatic stress injuries for Pennsylvania’s first responders. The law will take effect in October 2025.
The Shapiro Administration remains focused on delivering for Pennsylvania’s first responders — ensuring firefighters have the tools, training, and support they need to protect their neighbors and communities, today and into the future.
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