​Bucks County Emergency Services Awarded $737K Federal Grant

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Bucks County Emergency Services has been awarded a $727,000 federal grant to modernize and enhance critical technology services in the county.

The federal investment, part of the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, was secured by U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick as part of a broader effort to direct federal resources to key projects and programs that directly benefit Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.

Bucks County’s public safety programs, including its Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Office, depend on state-of-the-art technologies to operate efficiently and respond effectively to emergencies. Thanks to the funding, police, fire, and emergency medical services across 117 departments will replace 5,100 outdated portable radio batteries and chargers, ensuring seamless communication in critical situations.

In addition, the introduction of body-worn cameras will enhance officer safety, promote accountability, and build trust between law enforcement and the community. The upgrades signify essential advancements in life-saving services and strengthen the vital bond between officers and residents, ensuring a public safety framework that is robust, transparent, and responsive, according to Fitzpatrick.

“PA-1 is home to some of the finest first responders in our nation," said Fitzpatrick. "These courageous heroes put their lives on the line every day to safeguard our community, and it is my steadfast commitment to ensure they have the resources necessary for their vital work.

"This initiative represents a significant advancement in that mission, enhancing their safety and, by extension, the safety of our entire community," Fitzpatrick continued. "By modernizing our emergency services, we are equipping our first responders to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, solidifying our dedication to a safer Bucks County for all."

Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran added, "Transparency and accountability are critical for building community trust in the offices that serve them. This grant will help to ensure transparency not only in the Bucks County Sheriff's Office, but also in the Department of Corrections and the Bucks County Public Safety Department."

Key funding components include:

• Upgrading technology to maintain swift and effective communication between first responders in Bucks County Emergency Services to ensure that these heroes can promptly correspond in timely or dangerous situations.
• Elevated transparency between police officers and the community through the implementation of body-worn cameras, which are critical in sustaining a strong level of trust between these agencies and the individuals they serve.
• Enhancing community safety by more effectively answering calls of distress and assisting both promptly and successfully.

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick has secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, he secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.