The Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) has announced the receipt of a substantial $22.4 million federal grant aimed at reopening three fire companies that had remained closed for nearly 15 years.
Engine 6, Ladder 1, and Ladder 11 are set to resume serving neighborhoods such as Kensington, Fishtown, Port Richmond, Fairmount, Spring Garden, Francisville, East Passyunk, and South Philly. A specific timeline for their restoration is currently under development.
This vital funding, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) program, will enable the PFD to recruit, train, and employ 72 firefighter/EMTs for three years. Following this period, the City of Philadelphia will cover personnel costs.
Fire Commissioner Adam K. Thiel highlighted the grant’s significance in enhancing emergency response and increasing the PFD’s capacity to serve communities around the clock, given the city’s substantial growth in recent years.
Mayor Jim Kenney emphasized the importance of reinstating these companies to provide swift responses to various emergencies, reaffirming the city’s commitment to its residents, visitors, and businesses.
Engine 6, Ladder 1, and Ladder 11 had been deactivated in 2009, along with four other companies during the Recession, and their reopening aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Philadelphia.
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