$260K Grant Awarded To Warminster Fire Department

WARMINSTER, PA —The Warminster Fire Department has received a nearly $260,000 grant that will enhance response capabilities and better protect residents from fire and other related hazards.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announced Tuesday that the fire department —which serves Warminster along with the Hartsville Fire Company —received a FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The $259,182.72 grant will be used for operation and safety through the AFG Program, Fitzpatrick said.

He said the program's purpose is to award 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.

“For the last 85 years, the volunteer firefighters at the Warminster Fire Department have proudly served our community. When people see fire, they instinctually run away while these brave firefighters are trained to run into them,” Fitzpatrick said. “This grant will go a long way to assist our local heroes so when they run into burning buildings, they have the tools to make a safe escape.”

The Warminster Fire Department has about 60 active volunteer firefighters and they respond to more than 700 fire-safety emergencies each year.

The department maintains and operates 11 vehicles (3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Heavy Rescue, 2 Utility trucks, and 4 Command vehicles) from 3 fire stations in the township.

On average, the fire department spends about 5,000 man-hours a year (all volunteer) providing on-scene fire protection services. Between alarms, members contribute an additional 10,000 volunteer hours each year participating in training, education, and community service activities.

Warminster Township supervisors approved the hiring of three full-time firefighters to provide daytime coverage. Township officials are now actively recruiting professional firefighters for full-time employment.