State to give fire, rescue companies $50 million in grants to cover covid-19 losses
Fire departments, rescue and emergency medical service companies can apply for state grants to pay for utilities, repairing apparatus, buying personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as cleaning and disinfecting equipment and property in an effort to stop the spread of covid-19.
The state set aside $44 million for fire and rescue companies and $6 million to EMS companies for operational and equipment expenses, the Office of Fire Commissioner said Wednesday.
Emergency responders have until Aug. 7 to apply for the grants. They should learn within the month after if the application was approved, the state said.
“Increased operational tempo, and an inability to raise funds through community events have hit these organizations hard,” said Bruce Trego, fire commissioner. “The financial lifeline these grants provide will help hundreds of companies keep their lights on.”
The money for the one-time grants comes from the federal CARES Act, said L. Paul Vezzetti, a spokesman for the fire commissioner.
Additional information, including detailed registration instructions are available online at OSFC’s website.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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