Governor Shapiro proposes increased support for fire departments in Pennsylvania budget

Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning | Pennsylvania Department Of Education

Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Erie Fire Department to express gratitude to first responders for their efforts and emphasize plans in his 2025-26 budget proposal focused on enhancing fire company resources and disaster prevention measures. This visit is part of a series following earlier stops in Harrisburg, Bethlehem, and Mt. Lebanon.

In Pennsylvania, both professional and volunteer firefighters continue to face growing challenges as their numbers decrease. To address this, Governor Shapiro is pressing for increased state support to ensure firefighters have the necessary equipment, personnel, and resources for community safety.

Governor Shapiro has personally witnessed the dangers that firefighters confront. Recently, he and his family, alongside Chef Robert Irvine and the Robert Irvine Foundation, visited Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1 to recognize the firefighters who responded to a fire incident at the Governor's Residence.

"Last weekend, my family and I saw firsthand the incredible bravery and professionalism of our firefighters and first responders," stated Governor Shapiro. "These heroes run toward danger every single day to protect their communities - and we have a responsibility to support them. That's why my proposed budget includes real investments: creating a new competitive grant program so fire companies can buy the equipment they need, funding annual cancer screenings for firefighters, and launching a pilot program to help local departments collaborate and share services. I've seen the very best of Pennsylvania's fire service in action, and I'm committed to ensuring the Commonwealth continues to have their backs."

Contributors to the discussion at the event included Chief Leonard Trott of the Erie Bureau of Fire, Erie Mayor Joe Schember, Gregg Wells, President of the International Association of Firefighters, Erie Local 293, and Bob Brooks, President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association.