By Sowmya Krishna, Staff Reporter

In early February, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration granted $148,208 to seven fire companies and emergency service providers within Chester and Delaware Counties.

The money will go to the Paoli, Valley Forge Volunteer, Malvern, Radnor, Newtown Square, Berwyn and Goshen Fire Companies.

Most of the companies will utilize the money for both fire and emergency medical services.

“This is kind of a unique opportunity that we were able to get a hold of. It’s not something that is typically available every year,” said Brian Zimmerman, executive director of the Radnor Fire Company.

According to Zimmerman, the grant funds will advance members’ education and allow them to go from an EMT-Basic to an advanced EMT. An advanced EMT can provide more sophisticated medical care than a basic EMT.

“An EMT-Basic is splinting (and) putting oxygen on — things of that nature. An advanced EMT can do a few more things. They can start an IV (or) they can give some medication,” Zimmerman said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many fire companies are going through an EMS staffing crisis. Since there is a low availability of paramedics, advancing the education of existing members is important in providing citizens with the care they need.

The Berwyn Fire Company, however, has a different approach to how it will utilize the funds. Its plan is to replace its current fire house on 23 Bridge Ave. and build a completely new one. Much of the grant money will go toward funding that project. Due to the rising prices of fuel, it is also allotting another significant portion of the funds for the gas budget.

Justin Brundage, fire chief at the Berwyn Fire Company, believes that these state grants will be an asset to the general community and will allow for greater safety and emergency regulations.

“It will help by having us properly equipped, trained and staffed to respond to emergencies,” Brundage said. “I mean, that’s what we do.”

Sowmya Krishna can be reached at [email protected].