Bizzarro: $234,000 in COVID cash coming to local fire, EMS companies

Money will help keep operations going during COVID-19 crisis

ERIE, OCT.  8 – Urgently needed money is on the way to local first responders thanks to a COVID response program that state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro championed in the House of Representatives. Over $234,000 will be distributed to 11 agencies that showed a need to help pay expenses since the COVID-19 pandemic started.  

“I heard from my local fire companies about everyday costs and new expenditures they were having trouble with, thanks to COVID-19,” explained Bizzarro. “Their usual means of fundraising were wiped out by the virus, but the emergency calls kept coming and so did the bills. Starting as a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and through its passage in the House, I pushed to make sure Act 26 came to be as quick as possible.”

The money will be used by the companies for the cost of operations like utilities or fuel, and for items like personal protective equipment, disinfecting materials and more. Receiving funding in the 3rd Legislative District is: 

  • Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department - $25,342. 
  • EmergyCare EMS - $15,048. 
  • Fairview Fire Department - $23,151. 
  • Fairview Fire Department EMS - $15,048. 
  • Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department - $24,384. 
  • Kearsarge Fire Department - $24,110. 
  • Lake Shore Fire Department - $23,014. 
  • Lake Shore Fire Department EMS - $10,453. 
  • McKean Hose Company - $23,151. 
  • West Lake Fire Department - $25,068. 
  • West Ridge Fire Department - $25,342. 

“Since the start of this pandemic, these men and women continued to answer the calls from their neighbors for help. It’s my duty to fight for this money and bring it back home to Erie County, and I’ll continue to do what I can to support the people keeping us safe,” Bizzarro said.

More information on the program can be found here.