Ross Township, PA – Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and local officials at Berkeley Hills Fire Company to spotlight the success of its live-in firefighter program and discuss how Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal supports initiatives to strengthen Pennsylvania’s fire service.
Berkeley Hills Fire Company’s recent increased focus on their successful live-in program is a powerful example of how volunteer fire departments are adapting to meet evolving staffing challenges. The program offers housing accommodations for qualified firefighters in exchange for dedicated service—an approach that can help to sustain emergency response coverage, reduce response times, and develop and retain the next generation of fire service professionals.
Berkeley Hills Fire Company’s success with their live-in program is a shining example of the creativity and dedication that it takes to get results. While their story is not unique, many other fire departments across the state are finding increased challenges with staffing and even those that aren’t are still struggling to find funding for operations and other needs. The Governor’s proposed budget recognizes the value of programs like this and makes strategic investments to support fire departments across the Commonwealth. They have our backs, and we need to have theirs. Let’s get this budget passed so we can continue to live, work, and play safely in the Pennsylvania communities that we love.
— Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal includes targeted funding to help ensure fire departments—volunteer and career alike—have the personnel, resources, and tools they need to serve their communities safely and effectively.
“As part of Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal, Pennsylvania’s fire service is positioned to receive meaningful support that reflects the essential work of our volunteer and career firefighters,” said Fire Commissioner Cook. “The investments proposed will help departments create the transformational change that is necessary to adapt to their needs in 2025 and beyond.”
Governor Shapiro has recommended a three-part plan in his budget proposal to support the Commonwealth’s fire service, which:
- Creates a new, competitive funding stream of $30 million in grants for our fire companies.
- Creates a pilot program to help provide fire companies with the resources they need to work together.
- Covers cancer screenings for firefighters. Last year, we reformed our Workers’ Compensation Act to ensure firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement with a post-traumatic stress injury get the coverage they deserve. Firefighters are exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job – all to keep us safe -- we need to have their backs.
The Shapiro Administration continues to prioritize public safety and support for Pennsylvania’s first responders. For more information about the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC), visit the OSFC website.
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