Delaware County Council Authorizes $1.75M to Support First Responders

Released: November 4, 2022

In a unanimous vote, Delaware County Council authorized using up to $1,750,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to provide grants to local fire departments across the county. More than 60 active fire companies are eligible for grants worth up to $25,000 for their operational needs. The funds are designed to replace lost revenues and supplement fund-raising efforts adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Delaware County’s First Responders have been our true Front-Line Heroes over the past two and a half years during the pandemic,” said Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Many of our local fire companies rely on volunteers and fundraising to keep us safe, and these efforts were curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These grants provide them with funds that can offset the financial hardships they have faced.”

The County has launched a streamlined application process to expedite the distribution of the funds. Delaware County’s Emergency Services Department is administering the funds, with appropriate checks and balances to ensure all grants meet operational needs.

Fire companies interested in applying for a grant can contact the County Emergency Operations Center at (610) 565-8700. Applications are due by November 30, 2022.

“Our First Responders have made enormous sacrifices during the pandemic,” said Emergency Services Director Timothy Boyce, who recently met with the County’s Fire Service Leadership to go over details of the grant process. “These new grants authorized by Council will allow them to focus on providing essential services and protecting our community.