What This Means for You
- Thirty-six fire and EMS providers serving Senate District 44 will receive state grants totaling $671,662.
- No direct cost to residents; funding comes from a statewide program distributing more than $37 million.
- Grant agreements must be signed by May 31, 2026, for departments to receive funding.
ROYERSFORD, PA — Fire and emergency medical service providers across parts of Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties will receive more than $670,000 in state funding to support equipment purchases, facility upgrades, and staffing needs.
State Sen. Katie Muth announced that 36 departments serving Senate District 44 were awarded a combined $671,662 through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The funding is part of a broader $37 million distribution to more than 2,500 applicants statewide, according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is an annual state initiative that provides financial assistance to volunteer and career fire companies, ambulance services, and rescue squads. Eligible uses include buying protective gear and vehicles, upgrading stations, reducing debt, training personnel, and recruiting and retaining volunteers and staff. Fire companies may also establish construction savings accounts for future station construction.
“Until the state takes meaningful action to adequately and sustainably fund our fire and EMS providers across the Commonwealth, this grant program will continue to be an important annual investment in emergency preparedness and public safety,” Muth said in a statement. She added that the funds help departments purchase critical equipment, maintain facilities, and support recruitment and retention efforts.
Grant recipients must sign agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner by May 31, 2026, to access the funds.
Chester County Awards
Chester County fire companies receiving grants include:
- Keystone Valley Fire Department, $63,724
- Honey Brook Fire Company No. 1, $17,167
- Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, $17,167
- Wagontown Volunteer Fire Company, $16,322
- Westwood Fire Company, $16,322
- East Whiteland Township Fire Department, $16,136
- Glen Moore Fire Company No. 1, $16,136
- Lionville Fire Company, $16,136
- Ludwigs Corner Fire Company No. 1, $16,136
- Ridge Fire Company, $16,136
- Sadsburyville Fire Company, $16,136
- Phoenix Hose Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, $16,136
- Thorndale Fire Company, $15,518
- Kimberton Fire Company, $15,312
- Minquas Fire Company No. 2, $15,930
- East Brandywine Fire Company, $15,000
- Liberty Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 of Spring City, $14,487
- Norco Fire Company, $14,693
- Friendship Diving Rescue Unit, $12,838
EMS grants in Chester County include:
- Keystone Valley Fire Department, $45,000
- Elverson Honey Brook Area EMS, $30,000
- East Whiteland Volunteer Fire Association, $10,000
- Minquas Fire Company No. 2, $15,000
- Uwchlan Ambulance Corporation, $15,000
- Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, $15,000
- Westwood Fire Company, $15,000
- Westwood Fire Company Ambulance – Wagontown Division, $15,000
Montgomery and Berks County Awards
In Montgomery County, Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company received $27,312, while Lower Providence Township Volunteer Fire Company, Royersford Fire Department, and Upper Providence Township Department of Fire & EMS each received between $14,693 and $16,136. EMS grants were also awarded to Friendship Hook Ladder Hose & Ambulance and Lower Providence Community Center, both receiving $15,000.
In Berks County, Birdsboro-Union Fire Department received $26,899 and Twin Valley Fire Department received $20,000.
Public Impact
Many fire and EMS departments in Pennsylvania rely heavily on volunteers and local fundraising to operate. The state grant program provides supplemental funding to help cover rising costs for equipment, training, and facility maintenance.
Additional details about eligibility requirements and a full list of 2025-26 awards are available through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner at www.osfc.pa.gov.
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