State Reps. O’Mara, Delloso announce $150K award for Morton-Rutledge Fire Company
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara December 5, 2024 | 11:41 AM
MORTON, Dec. 5 — State Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Dave Delloso today announced a $150,000 grant awarded to Morton-Rutledge Fire Company for essential station repairs.
The grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will go toward replacing the company’s failing concrete apron in front of the firehouse as well as the supply and attack hoses on the department’s engines.
“Morton-Rutledge’s concrete apron is sinking right now, so it’s at risk of failing entirely. This jeopardizes their ability to respond effectively to emergencies – both locally and throughout Delaware County,” O’Mara said. “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and it’s critical that they have the infrastructure they need to do their jobs. I’m happy to support this grant, which will ensure Morton-Rutledge Fire Company can continue serving our community without interruption.”
“Local fire companies are backbone of our communities, but municipalities often struggle to fund them adequately. I’m glad to see Pennsylvania step up and grant this funding to Morton-Rutledge Fire Company,” said Delloso. “We can’t rely on firefighters’ courage alone – we must also provide them with the resources they need to keep us, and themselves, safe.”
O’Mara has been an outspoken advocate for first responders within Pennsylvania’s Capitol since her first term in 2019. She introduced a measure, which Delloso co-sponsored, to make post-traumatic stress injury an eligible workers’ compensation claim for first responders that was signed into law by Gov. Shapiro last fall. The law, Act 121 of 2024, will take effect October 2025.