Harrisburg, PA – Over the last week, Governor Josh Shapiro traveled across the Commonwealth to meet with Pennsylvania’s professional and volunteer firefighters — thanking them for their service and outlining key investments in his 2025-26 proposed budget to strengthen fire departments and protect communities. The Governor’s proposal includes three key initiatives: a new $30 million competitive grant program for equipment, staffing, and local needs; a pilot program to encourage municipal cooperation and shared resources; and annual cancer screenings to address job-related health risks.
From Harrisburg to Bethlehem, Mt. Lebanon to Erie , the Governor met face-to-face with first responders who put their lives on the line every day — highlighting his Administration’s commitment to helping fire companies respond to more calls with fewer resources and increasing challenges.
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.
Read what firefighters from across the Commonwealth are saying about these investments:
Chief Michael Reich, Bethlehem Fire Department: “Governor Shapiro's call for an additional $30 million in competitive grant funding for fire companies is absolutely vital. This funding will empower departments across the state to invest in equipment, recruit and retain our skilled firefighters, and, most importantly, fund much-needed cancer screenings. The reality is that firefighters face a significantly elevated risk of cancer, and the Governor's proposed cancer screening funding is a critical step toward ensuring early detection and treatment for these brave first responders.”
Chief Kurt Christofel, Mt. Lebanon Fire Department: “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. 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.”
Chief Leonard Trott, Erie Bureau of Fire: “We want to thank our brothers and sisters in Harrisburg for their hard work in achieving a successful outcome that night—and every day. We’re deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro and our representatives in Harrisburg for working tirelessly on our behalf. The Governor’s proposed $30 million grant fund is crucial for Erie and departments across the Commonwealth to keep pace with growing needs. Perhaps most critically, cancer screenings are essential to protecting the brave men and women who selflessly risk their lives each day. Early detection and treatment of occupational cancers — tragically common in the fire service—can save lives. We know this pain firsthand in Erie, with the recent loss of a young, active firefighter and the many retirees now battling cancer.”
Lieutenant Greg Wells, Erie Fire Department: “Governor Shapiro, thank you for taking the time, putting in the work, and prioritizing the needs of firefighters across Pennsylvania. Make no mistake — your efforts have already saved lives, and they will continue to do so. Act 121 of 2024, the post-traumatic stress injury bill you signed into law, gives firefighters critical resources to cope with the cumulative toll — the sights, the sounds, the emotions — that come with responding to tragedy. We are deeply grateful.”
President Ralph Sicuro, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1: “As the demand for fire service continues to rise, so do operating costs — all while municipalities face their own financial challenges. 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.”
President Bob Brooks, Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association: "We represent over 7,000 first responders every day, advocating for our brothers and sisters — whether in Harrisburg or Washington, D.C. — to improve the safety and well-being of those who show up 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I've gotten to know Governor Shapiro well over the years. He’s no stranger to standing with first responders. He was with us last year when we enacted benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries — legislation championed by Representative O'Mara. That was a long, bipartisan battle, and we got it done. But there’s still more work ahead. Emergency management starts at the local level, where first responders play vital public safety roles. The challenges we face — rising costs, lack of volunteers and resources — aren’t new. We can’t fund public safety one bake sale at a time. We need to prioritize it at budget time, and Governor Shapiro clearly has. That’s why we’re proud to support the Governor’s proposal for $30 million in competitive grants to help fire companies meet a range of needs, including recruitment and retention."
Read what elected officials are saying about these investments:
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato: “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. 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.”
Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds: "Governor Shapiro has passed two bipartisan budgets that give municipalities what they need. That’s easier said than done — it’s not just about money, it’s about understanding what a township, a borough, or a city needs, and what the people need. We've seen bipartisan budgets that give local officials confidence the state will be there. Sometimes we hesitate to act locally because we’re unsure what kind of collaboration will come from the state — but Governor Shapiro is a leader in that way. That’s what today is about — people showing up when it matters, and an administration working with all of us to help the great people of this Commonwealth."
Erie Mayor Joe Schember: “The people of Erie have really come to understand what a great friend you are to this city, Governor Shapiro, and we truly appreciate it. I’m especially excited about the Governor’s proposed budget, which includes a potential $30 million increase in funding for fire departments. If passed, this investment would have a tremendous impact on our fire department — allowing us to continue upgrading technology, improving equipment, and most importantly, protecting our firefighters while they serve the public. Governor, you’re known for your ability to get things done. My team and I fully support your proposal and urge our state legislature to approve this critical funding. I look forward to working with the Governor to share more about the needs of our fire department and to continue building on the support he’s already shown.”
Congressman Chris Deluzio: “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. 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.”
Senator Lisa Boscola: “Making sure our firefighters have state of the art equipment to keep them safe is just as important as making sure our firefighters can get needed cancer screenings. This is dangerous work they do and we all benefit from their courage. I am proud to stand with the Governor to support our first responders.”
Senator Wayne Fontana: “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. 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.”
Senator Jay Costa: “From schools to jobs to places of worship, every Pennsylvanian deserves to live and move freely through safe communities that welcome them. 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."
Representative Jennifer O’Mara: “Investing in our fire companies is the least we can do to not only protect our communities but to also support first responders, who put their lives on the line daily. I'm thankful for Governor Shapiro's budget proposals to support our fire fighters and keep Pennsylvanians safe, and now it's time we deliver."
Representative Jeanne McNeill: “Our first responders, including our firefighters, are vital in ensuring that those in our community stay safe and can continue to provide for their families, themselves, and our economy. I believe that Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget will continue to fund our firefighters here in the Lehigh Valley and all of Pennsylvania so our residents can continue to know that our firefighters have the equipment and funding they need to efficiently act to save lives. I look forward to working with my colleagues in budget season to secure this public safety funding for our commonwealth.”
Representative Dan Miller: “No firefighter joins the department because they like bingo or want to stand at an intersection with a boot — they do it to help. 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.”
Representative Abigail Salisbury: “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. I’m thrilled the Governor is stepping up to support these essential service providers in such a meaningful way.”
See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro’s investments in Pennsylvania’s fire service:
PennLive: Celebrity chef teams up with Shapiro family to thank firefighters after arson attack
WNEP 16: Gov. Shapiro thanks first responders in Harrisburg
New Castle News: Shapiro seeks support for proposed funding increase for state firefighters
Herald-Standard: Gov. Shapiro pushes budget proposals for firefighters in Mt. Lebanon
WJET: Gov. Shapiro thanks Erie first responders, seeks more funding for firefighters
Erie News Now: Gov. Shapiro Visits Erie to Discuss Fire Department Investments
Erie Times: 'A champion of our fire services': Gov. Shapiro touts first responders support in Erie
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