Shapiro's budget proposal prioritizes assistance for Pennsylvania's fire services

Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, alongside State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and local officials, visited the Berkeley Hills Fire Company to highlight its live-in firefighter program and discuss its alignment with Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal aimed at enhancing Pennsylvania's fire services.

Berkeley Hills Fire Company's program provides housing for qualified firefighters in return for their service, a model praised for sustaining emergency response, minimizing response times, and aiding in the recruitment and retention of fire service personnel.

Lieutenant Governor Davis commented, "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." He added, "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."

Speakers present at the event included Jack Morgan, President of Berkeley Hills Fire Company, Chief Dillon Coleman, Representative Emily Kinkead, along with Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook.