$400K In State Grants Awarded To Plumstead Emergency Responders

PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA – State funding totalling $392,649 has been awarded to emergency responders in Plumstead Township.

On Thursday, State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and State Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) announced grants for $250,000 for the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company and $142,459 for the Plumstead Township Police Department.

The firefighters will use their grant to help purchase a ladder truck, restoring vital aerial firefighting and rescue capabilities lost when the company’s 30-year-old ladder truck was totaled in 2020.

The new truck will significantly decrease Plumsteadville’s response times and improve its ability to protect lives and property in the case of emergency, the firefighters said.

“This new ladder truck will restore critical firefighting and rescue capabilities for the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company and ensure our heroic volunteer firefighters have the equipment they need,” said Senator Santarsiero. “When emergencies happen, seconds matter, and this investment will help firefighters respond faster and more effectively to keep our community safe.”

“Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company plays a critical role in the safety of our community,” said Representative Labs. “I am proud to support this grant funding, which will give our firefighters the tools they need."

Plumstead Township will use its funding to purchase portable radios for its police department. The police department currently relies on aging portable radios that have exceeded their useful life when responding to incidents. The township will purchase 18 new radios, one for each police officer.

“These new radios will help our law enforcement officers get the information they need to respond to incidents more quickly, safely, and effectively,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Dependable communication is necessary for keeping officers and residents safe, and this investment ensures our police have the modern tools they need to do their jobs well.”

“Reliable communication is essential for law enforcement to respond quickly and effectively,” said Representative Labs. “I was happy to support Plumstead Township’s request for this funding, which will help equip our police department with the tools they need to protect and serve our community.”

Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Local Share Account (LSA) statewide program allocates gaming revenue through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects that improve the quality of life of citizens in the Commonwealth.