VIDEO: Gov. Josh Shapiro is touring fire departments across Pennsylvania, outlining key elements of his proposed budget focused on enhancing the physical and financial well-being of firefighters. During a visit to the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department Monday, Shapiro addressed a room full of first responders, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their service and tying his support to a deeply personal experience.
“My family and I experienced what it’s like to be rushed away from a fire while you see heroes rushing in to put it out and save lives at the governor’s residence. An arsonist broke in and tried to claim my life and the life of my family and others who were there, but if it wasn’t for the incredible work of the firefighters in the Harrisburg area, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Capitol Police: I don’t know that we’d be here today,” Shapiro said.
The governor’s proposed budget includes significant measures aimed at supporting firefighters. Among the highlights are $30 million in grants to fund equipment purchases and aid in recruiting and retaining personnel. He also proposed an initiative to assist fire companies in training together and emphasized the priority of offering free annual cancer screenings for firefighters, citing their exposure to harmful chemicals on the job. โIโve talked to so many firefighters who head into dangerous environments, wondering about the long-term toll on their health. You shouldnโt have to wonder,โ Shapiro said to a round of applause.
