LOWER MERION, PA — The fire companies serving Lower Merion and the surrounding area got a cut of $50 million in grant funds that will help offset the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Belmont Hills, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hills fire companies, as well as Union Fire Association of Lower Merion and the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore, are getting nearly $151,000 in grant funding in total.
Gov. Tom Wolf recently said the Office of State Fire Commissioner will be awarding $50 million worth of grant funding to fire, rescue, and EMS across the commonwealth to offset expenses related to COVID-19.
“Our fire, rescue and EMS are the first responders often on the front-lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Wolf said. “All these professionals – some working as volunteers – give selflessly to support neighbors and communities. These CARES Act grants can assist in supporting them and their ongoing efforts to keep their neighbors and communities protected and safe.”
Below are Lower Merion’s fire companies and their allocations:
- Belmont Hills Fire Company — $24,520
- Bryn Mawr Fire Company — $24,931
- Gladwyne Fire Company — $25,342
- Merion Fire Company of Ardmore — $25,342
- Penn Wynne – Overbrook Hills Fire Company —$25,342
- Union Fire Association of Lower Merion — $25,342
The purpose of this funding is to provide some much-needed financial assistance to first responders who have found it difficult to keep their operations running due to COVID-19.
Of the $50 million in funding set aside for this new program, $44 million will be made available to fire and rescue companies and the remaining $6 million will go to EMS companies.
As stated in Act 26, the money must be used for operational and equipment expenses. Eligible expenses include:
