Casey, others pushing bill for funding to modernize firehouses, EMS stations
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - The Polish American Fire Co. in Shenandoah is seen in 2021.
WASHINGTON, District of Columbia – Several U.S. senators, including Pennsylvania’s Bob Casey, are pushing legislation they say will help upgrade aging firehouses across the country.
The FIRE STATION Act, standing for Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation, would create a $750 Million fund through FEMA “to build renovate, and modernize fire and EMS department facilities.”
Citing a report from the National Fire Protection Association, Casey’s office said 44 percent of firehouses in the U.S. are older than 40 years and “in need of significant repairs.”
“Additionally, 56 percent of stations lack exhaust emission control and are not properly equipped with cancer-preventing systems,” Casey’s office said. “The survey also finds that many fire and EMS stations across the country have no backup power, have outdated ventilation systems and mold, or even lack crew quarters for female personnel.”
In Shenandoah, all but one firehouse is older than 40 years — the Columbia Hose station on West Centre Street, built in 1997 and opened in 1998. All other firehouses in town were built around the turn of the 20th century, though the Polish American primarily operates out of their 1978 addition next door to the 1915-built firehouse.
Shenandoah Ambulance operates out of a new station at Main and Washington, which opened in 2018.
“In all kinds of emergencies, firefighters and emergency medical technicians step up to perform essential, life-saving work for our communities,” said Casey in a media release. “These heroes have difficult jobs that are too often made harder by crumbling facilities and a lack of resources. The FIRE STATION Act will not only build, renovate, and modernize fire stations across Pennsylvania and our Nation, it will invest in our safety and security and help ensure our first responders are well-equipped and empowered to come to the rescue.”
Casey co-sponsored the bill with Democrats Chris Van Hollen, Maryland; Jon Tester, Montana; Sherrod Brown, Ohio; Ben Cardin, Maryland; Debbie Stabenow, Michigan; and Jack Reed, Rhode Island, along with Republican Lisa Kurkowski, Alaska.
This legislation, Casey’s office says, is endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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