Bensalem Rescue Squad Gets $172K Grant

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Bensalem Rescue Squad is getting a $172,043.63 grant to enhance its response capabilities.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that the FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will also help protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel more effectively from fire and other related hazards.

The rescue squad will use the grant for operations and safety.

The program awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations, and State Fire Training Academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.

Since FY 2001, the AFG Program has awarded approximately $8.1 billion in grants to provide critically needed resources. The total amount appropriated for the FY 2022 AFG Program initiative is $324 million.

“As an EMS unit that has responded to over 9,000 emergency 911 calls last year alone, the Bensalem Rescue Squad is so essential to Bensalem and beyond,” Fitzpatrick said. “This unit not only responds to traditional EMT calls but also serves as a Mobile Stroke Unit for the surrounding communities and provides essential services, in partnership with Bucks County Drug & Alcohol, to help community members take this crucial step towards recovery. As a certified EMT, I am proud to have supported this grant for Bensalem Rescue Squad and I am proud to support all of the essential services they provide to our community.”

The Bensalem Rescue Squad/Bensalem Emergency Medical Services (BEMS) was founded by Carole Czerniak, Donald Kueny, and Gene Fanini in 1980.

What once was an entirely volunteer organization is now a private, non-profit that provides emergency medical services in Bensalem Township to its residents and visitors.

Bensalem Emergency Medical services also provides mutual aid to neighboring squads in Bucks County. Services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Currently, the squad is overseen by Executive Director Thomas Topley who started at BEMS as a volunteer in the early 1980s.