$50M Coronavirus Grants Provided For PA Fire, EMS Companies

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania has made $50 million in grants available to fire and EMS companies around the state to help support them amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Many emergency services have been overstressed and taken financial hits through the outbreak.

A total of $44 million is set aside from fire and rescue companies, and $6 million is earmarked for EMS companies.

“It has become a struggle just to keep the lights on for far too many of the companies that protect our communities,” State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego said in a statement. “I am pleased that our office can help get these funds out to the companies most in need.”

The state has seen "record-breaking" call volume, as well as drastically reduced fundraising opportunities, since the pandemic began in March, officials said.

Furthermore, quarantine and self-isolation of individuals who may have been exposed to the disease have kept many emergency organizations operating with minimized staff.

The grants come through newly enacted legislation. The Office of State Fire Commissioner is establishing the protocols for how applications will be reviewed. Companies will be able to apply online here in the coming weeks and are encouraged to check back routinely for updates.

Pennsylvania has nearly 74,000 cases of coronavirus and has seen 5,817 deaths as of Friday afternoon.