West Chester, Pa (February 24, 2026) – Fire and emergency medical services organizations serving communities throughout Chester County were recently awarded state grant funding through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) program, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.
In announcing the funding, Comitta also highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposal to make additional investments in fire and EMS companies in this year’s state budget.
The FCEMS program, administered through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, provides annual, formula-based funding to eligible volunteer and paid fire, EMS, and rescue organizations, with grants up to $20,000 for fire companies and up to $15,000 for EMS companies.
This year, fire and EMS organizations serving the 19th Senatorial District, which Senator Comitta represents, were awarded more than $600,000 in total funding through the FCEMS program. The funds were part of $37 million in total grant funding awarded to more than 2,500 eligible applicants statewide.
“We depend on fire, EMS, and rescue organizations to keep our communities safe and to answer the call of duty whenever dangerous and life-threatening situations arise,” Comitta said. “They rely on this annual funding to maintain their services. Now, it’s time that we build on these investments to ensure that our emergency first responders are trained, equipped, and ready to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Under the program, funds can be used for construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction, training and certification costs, public education about fire safety, and recruitment and retention, including volunteer firefighter length-of-service award programs and programs for minors.
“Our firefighters and EMS personnel answer the call every day, often under challenging conditions and with limited resources. This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s continued commitment to supporting the fire and EMS services that Pennsylvanians rely on in emergencies,” said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Fire and EMS companies are facing increased call volumes, rising costs, and ongoing recruitment and retention challenges. These grants help ensure departments can maintain readiness, improve safety, and continue serving their communities effectively.”
In the 2025-26 state budget, Governor Shapiro is calling for an additional $30 million competitive grant program to build on and nearly double the investment through the FCEMS.
“Every single day, firefighters across Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm. We owe it to these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them,” said Governor Shapiro. “While the Commonwealth already provides funding for fire companies, the current system doesn’t allow departments to make major investments – these competitive grants would change that. Public safety is at the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania.”
Under Shapiro, the Commonwealth has awarded more than $140 million in FCEMS grants to eligible fire and EMS organizations.
Companies have until May 31, 2026, to submit their 2025-26 FCEMS Grant Agreements. All final reports (including all supporting documents) must be submitted electronically via the grant application by September 1, 2026. More information on the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program can be found online at https://www.osfc.pa.gov/
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