Noting the selflessness and dedication of the local volunteer fire companies during recent flooding in the area, state Sen. Steve Santarsiero and state Rep. Perry Warren announced additional state funding for the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Upper Makefield Fire Company.
The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“Our first responders and volunteer firefighters put themselves on the line in times of crisis to keep our residents safe,” Santarsiero said. “It is critical they have the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, which is why I was happy to work with Rep. Warren to secure these funds for our community.”
Added Warren, “Our river/canal communities have experienced numerous flood and high water events in recent years, including the disastrous flashfloods in 2023. Both the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and the Upper Makefield Fire Company recognized the need for high water rescue vehicles and reached out to our offices.”
The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company received $180,000 and will use the funding toward the purchase of a high-water truck.
“As extreme weather events and flooding occur with increased frequency in our community, it is critical our first responders have the right resources to assist in these emergencies,” Santarsiero said. “This specialized high water vehicle for Yardley-Makefield Fire Company will improve their ability to respond to diverse situations.”
“Senator Santarsiero and I were pleased to assist the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company in obtaining the funds to purchase the high water vehicle,” Warren said. Last week, we got to see the vehicle and even got to go for a ride!
“In the meantime, while we were going through the grant process, Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors Chair Yvette Taylor, Vice-Chair Ben Weldon, and the rest of the Board were able to allocate the funds for the purchase of the UMFC high water vehicle. Accordingly, Senator Santarsiero and I were able to obtain relatively unrestricted state grant funding for UMFC,” he said.
The Upper Makefield Fire Company received $103,000 in state funding to be spent primarily toward the purchase of a new command vehicle, according to UMFC Chief Tim Brewer.
“Our community is safest when our emergency responders have the necessary resources to do their jobs,” Santarsiero said. “Supporting the Upper Makefield Fire Company’s purchase of a command vehicle will ensure they have the appropriate equipment to serve our residents.”
Warren and Santarsiero extended their gratitude to everyone involved in this critical initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.
“Together, these two fire companies will significantly enhance their ability to perform high water rescues, serving not only their communities but also neighboring areas in times of crisis,” Warren said. “Importantly, these grants will save lives, and the funds have been allocated locally, as the high water vehicles were purchased from a Bucks County company owned by an Upper Makefield resident.
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