WILLIAMS URGES PERMANENT SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

HARRISBURG, Feb. 1, 2002 – State Sen. Constance H. Williams has called for restoring the $25 million state grant program for volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel.

"Pennsylvania’s volunteer emergency personnel should be able to focus on saving lives, not pinching pennies," Williams said on the Senate Floor. "I know this year’s budget will be tight, but volunteer fire companies and ambulance associations deal with tight budgets every year. They need our help."

Williams (D-Delaware/Montgomery) co-sponsored the original legislation establishing the state’s $25 million grant program for emergency service volunteers in 2000. The funds were used to help volunteer organizations purchase equipment and improve their facilities.

Local volunteer fire organizations received grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Ambulance associations received grants of up to $10,000.

Over her objections, former Gov. Tom Ridge removed the funding from last year’s state budget.

Williams said volunteers should be able to depend on state grant support every year just like their communities depend on them. She said she is optimistic that bipartisan support will compel Gov. Mark Schweiker to restore funding for the program in this year’s budget proposal.

Pennsylvania has 2,464 volunteer fire companies -- more than any other state in the nation. Williams said the rising cost of equipment coupled with fewer volunteers continues to threaten their financial survival.

"The events of September 11, 2001 reminded us of the heroic sacrifices made by volunteer and professional emergency workers," Williams said. "Today I want to remind my colleagues of their responsibility -– and in many cases, their public commitment -– to emergency service organizations."