ICYMI: Governor Shapiro and Fire Commissioner Cook Announce $37 Million Investment in PA Fire Departments and EMS Providers, Highlight New $30 Million Grant Program Proposal to Further Fund and Outfit Local Fire Companies

“We can't flip enough chickens to buy a piece of fire apparatus. That's where this funding comes into play. It's very, very vital to the fire service in the state of Pennsylvania to keep this funding coming.”

– Dickson City Fire Chief Rich Chowanec

“I’m going to push hard again for lawmakers to get this done and to my desk.”

– Governor Josh Shapiro

“As I travel around the Commonwealth, I hear two very strong themes from the Pennsylvania Fire Service: We need people and we need money.”

– State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook

February 11, 2026

Dickson City, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $37 million investment through the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OFSC) to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads across the Commonwealth, and touted his proposed $30 million competitive grant program for Pennsylvania’s firefighters during a visit to the Dickson City Fire Department, also known as the Eagle Hose Company No. 1.

Included in the Governor’s 2026-27 proposed budget for the second year in a row, this new investment will nearly double the annual funding for fire departments and provide critical funding for major equipment purchases, training, facility improvements, debt reduction, and other essential operational expenses for fire departments across the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro’s proposed $30 million grant program will build on the existing $37 million from the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) Program. Since February 2023, the Shapiro Administration has awarded more than $140 million through the FCEMS Grant Program to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads throughout Pennsylvania to support training, equipment, facilities, and operations.

During his visit, Governor Shapiro also thanked Dickson City firefighters and other local first responders who ran toward danger to contain last week’s fire at the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City, safely evacuating all 77 people.

Here's what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro’s visit to the Dickson City Fire Department:

Scranton Times Tribune: Shapiro lauds first responders to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City fire

WVIA: Shapiro, other officials say Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City eyes Friday reopening for ER

Times Leader: Gov. Shapiro lauds first responders for ‘heroic efforts’ at Lehigh Valley Hospital fire

FOX 56: Shapiro visits Dickson City first responders, touts additional proposed funds

WNEP: Gov. Shapiro praises first responders following Lehigh Valley Hospital's Orthopedic Institute fire

2822 News: Governor Shapiro thanks first responders after LVHN fire

WENY: Governor Shapiro Pitches New Fire Fighting Grant Program

WILK Newsradio: Governor Shapiro to visit Dickson City following hospital fire