CARLISLE – State officials visited Cumberland Goodwill EMS to discuss how the 2024-25 budget proposal to increase the Fire and EMS Grant Program will help first responders recruit more people, update outdated safety equipment, and provide additional training. The Governor’s proposal would double funding to $60 million from the $30 million the program receives today. The grant is open to fire, EMS, and volunteer rescue squad organizations across PA, covering a variety of eligible expenses including purchase or repair of ambulances and fire trucks, firefighting and medical gear and tools, training materials and certifications, recruitment and retention materials, construction and upgrades to buildings, and debt reduction. Currently, the maximum annual award amount per organization for EMS grants is $15,000 with fire grants maxed out at $20,000.
