There were two things to be thankful for last week — our local fire companies who keep us safe and the grants that are currently keeping them funded.

As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a number of fire companies in the county have not been able to hold the types of fundraisers and events they’d typically offer during the year to pay for various costs to operate.

Chris Switala, fire chief for the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, told the Eagle last week that the department is using grant money for insurance and utility and apparatus expenses as well as personal protective equipment. The Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department’s chief said it was using its grant money to do the same.

Grant money was awarded recently through the COVID-19 Crisis Fire, Rescue and EMS Grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Of the 25 fire departments to receive the grant money, Butler Township was given the largest amount — $71,342. This is great news for the department and the community served by it.

But it’s bad news that local fire departments are struggling to the extent that they need grant money — as Reid Campbell, assistant chief for the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department, which also received a grant, noted — “to keep the doors open.”

Fire departments across the state have long been struggling — both from decades-long declines in the number of volunteer staff members and funding — and this year has been especially difficult for them.

The pandemic has resulted in the need for more emergency response, but with less funding to do so.

State aid for fire departments totaled $72.5 million seven years ago, but last year it was only $60 million, according to a report earlier this year from the state auditor general’s office.

The recent round of grants were awarded after questions regarding the eligible uses of the money were resolved.

We are thankful that the funding was approved to be used for paying bills and other necessities that would normally have been covered by fundraisers — but in extraordinary times, it only makes sense.

— NCD