17-05-2025
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: Fire departments, emergency training centers urged to apply for grants before May 29 deadline
May 16—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) this week reminded municipal fire departments and emergency training centers in Pennsylvania that applications are now open for two annual funding opportunities aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities across the Commonwealth:
—Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant
—Emergency Training Center Capital Grant
Both grants are competitive, offering up to $100,000 in funding for eligible organizations.
The application window runs through May 29, allowing qualified organizations to submit proposals for modernizing facilities, acquiring or renovating structures, and purchasing or repairing essential emergency equipment.
While volunteer fire departments are not eligible for the Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant, they may be eligible for the Emergency Service Training Center Capital Grant.
"This funding helps ensure that our municipal fire departments and emergency training facilities have the tools, infrastructure, and support they need to serve communities safely and effectively," said State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. "We encourage all eligible organizations to apply today."
What's available now:
—Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant
Who's eligible: Municipal fire departments recognized by local ordinance and budgeted by the local government where the department geographically resides. No volunteer fire departments qualify for this grant.
Use of funds: Facility upgrades, building acquisitions, major repairs, or equipment purchases.
Funding available per grant: $25,000 — $100,000
—Emergency Training Center Capital Grant
Eligibility: Emergency services training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities, and nonprofit, countywide associations.
Use of funds: Modernization or establishment of training infrastructure.
Funding available per grant: $25,000 — $100,000
Firefighters are being stretched thin right now, responding to more and more calls each year as the number of firefighters across the Commonwealth shrinks. A three-part plan in the 2025-26 budget proposal supports firefighters.
The proposal:
—Creates a new, competitive funding stream of $30 million in grants for our fire companies.
—Creates a pilot program to help provide fire companies with the resources they need to work together.
—Covers cancer screenings for firefighters. Last year, the state reformed the Workers' Compensation Act to ensure firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement with a post-traumatic stress injury get the coverage they deserve. Firefighters are exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job — all to keep the public safe.
U.S. Senators McCormick and Kelly lead legislation targeting Mexican drug cartels
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, this introduced the Mexico Security Assistance Accountability Act, which would require the State Department to develop a strategy to dismantle the Mexican drug cartels that ensures U.S. security assistance is delivering the best return on investment for taxpayers.
"For far too long, the Mexican drug cartels have poisoned communities in Pennsylvania and across the country with deadly fentanyl, killing more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians each year," Sen. McCormick said. "We need a clear strategy to dismantle the cartels that has real accountability and metrics for success, so we know security cooperation is actually achieving results. I look forward to working with the Administration on this common-sense approach to saving American lives."
"Every day, Arizonans see up close the consequences of illegal drug trafficking into the United States," said Sen. Kelly. "Our relationship with Mexico and a shared security mission are critical to combat the cartels that produce these dangerous drugs. Our bipartisan bill will establish mission goals to effectively dismantle cartels and increase the capabilities of Mexico's law enforcement, strengthening U.S. national security and protecting our communities."
The Mexican drug cartels are the leading driver of the fentanyl overdose crisis that has killed more than 300,000 Americans. In the 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assessed, "Together, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels have caused the worst drug crisis in U.S. history. They dictate the flow of nearly all illicit drugs into the United States...(including) the relentless stream of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine crossing the border."
This bill would require the State Department to develop a strategy for U.S. security assistance in Mexico to dismantle the cartels, increase the capacity of Mexico's military and public security institutions to degrade the cartels, and combat public corruption and impunity.
State Police initiates Rapid DNA program to solve cases faster
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) this week announced the initiation of its Rapid DNA program with the deployment of 15 fully automated genetic analyzers to troops across the Commonwealth — a major step forward in the Department's ability to bring justice to victims and hold offenders accountable.
"This program represents significant advancements in our forensic capabilities," said Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the PSP. "Rapid DNA analysis can expedite the development of investigative leads, assist in suspect identification, and help exclude individuals with greater speed. Aside from investigative efficiency, this technology provides accuracy, fairness, and better outcomes for the communities we serve."
Rapid DNA technology allows for the swift analysis of DNA samples outside of traditional lab environments, delivering results in as little as 90 minutes. The quick analysis provides investigators with timely, actionable information that can greatly benefit case resolution and public safety.
The technology demonstrated its value in its first week of deployment when troopers obtained a blood sample from an ATM tampering case. The sample was compared to a DNA database, and in less than two hours, investigators received a notification identifying an investigative lead.
PSP follows all state and federal guidelines for DNA collection and privacy protections. Only Forensic Service Unit (FSU) members who have successfully completed the Department's required training are authorized to operate the analyzers, and laboratory personnel conduct the necessary analysis to verify matches.
PSP's expanded use of DNA testing and Rapid DNA has been supported by Governor Shapiro. The Shapiro Administration is working to build safer communities and ensure law enforcement is well-equipped, well-funded, and well-trained.
The 2025-26 budget proposal calls for the complete elimination of the statutory cap on the State Police complement, which limits the number of troopers on the streets. Removing the statutory cap will allow for increased patrol visibility, faster response times, and the ability to maintain a proactive posture in Pennsylvania's communities.
Furthermore, the 2025-26 budget proposal continues to sustainably fund PSP and includes $16 million to provide for four new cadet classes — to train nearly 400 more state troopers. In the last two budgets, the state secured funding to support the hiring of over 800 new PSP troopers and recruit and train nearly 700 municipal officers.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
