Merski: Nearly $220,000 secured for two Erie fire companies

Money will fund equipment, training

ERIE, Jan. 4 – Two Erie fire companies will share $216,300 in state grant funding for new resources, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today.

Merski said the funding includes $146,300 to Brookside Fire Company for self-contained breathing apparatus units, including 19 packs and 18 cylinders and batteries, and $70,000 to Perry Hi-Way Hose Company for training support.

“Firefighters rely on properly functioning equipment and regular training to protect them during life-threatening situations, but keeping resources up to date can severely strain tight department budgets,” Merski said. “Securing this new funding should relieve some of that strain and help protect those who answer the call – regardless of the danger – to keep the rest of us safe.”

Merski said the funding was administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development.