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HARRISBURG -- Staffing shortages, rising equipment costs and financial pressures are threatening the ability of Pennsylvania’s fire departments and emergency medical services to respond to emergencies, according to testimony presented during two recent state House hearings.
The House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe, R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata, held hearings Oct. 8 in Allegheny County and Oct. 14 in Westmoreland County to examine challenges facing emergency responders and potential legislative solutions.
Fire chiefs, EMS officials and municipal leaders described difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers, replacing aging equipment and maintaining emergency services amid increasing operating costs.
David McWilliams, chief of the Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department, told lawmakers that volunteer departments are struggling to maintain adequate staffing, particularly during daytime hours.
He estimated replacement costs of $1.6 million for a rescue engine, $1.8 million for a fire engine and $2.8 million for a ladder truck.
“Recruitment’s probably going to be the most important thing that came from that report,” McWilliams said, referring to an assessment of his department. “How do we get people to come in? How do we get people to staff our equipment and answer calls?”
Bruce Hezlep, director of public safety for Pine Township and assistant chief of Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company, said volunteers are increasingly responsible for emergency response, training, fundraising, equipment maintenance and administrative duties.
“Everybody has a role, but it’s the same small group of people, and it’s a sustainability problem,” Hezlep said.
Witnesses recommended expanding volunteer incentives, improving training opportunities, encouraging employer support and exploring regional cooperation among departments.
Josh Wiegand, chief of West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 3, emphasized that recruitment efforts must be accompanied by strategies to retain existing members.
“If we recruit 10 people and lose eight of them, then we have not solved our problem,” Wiegand said. “People stay where they feel their time matters.”
Testimony also highlighted the financial challenges facing ambulance services.
Michael Wystepek, chief operating officer of Mutual Aid Ambulance Service, said agencies must maintain personnel, vehicles and medical equipment around the clock, regardless of how many emergency calls they receive.
However, reimbursement generally depends on transporting patients, leaving ambulance providers responsible for substantial operating expenses that are not always covered.
“We are expected to maintain a system of constant readiness, but we are not consistently reimbursed for the true cost of maintaining that system,” Wystepek said.
Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Westmoreland, said nearly 50 ambulance companies closed statewide during 2023 and 2024.
“When Pennsylvanians call 911, they have come to expect a professional and prompt response, but the current financial environment that surrounds operating an ambulance service is making it difficult,” Cooper said.
House Bill 1152, sponsored by Cooper, would change commercial insurance reimbursement for dispatched 911 ambulance services by establishing payments tied to Medicare rates and providing direct reimbursement to EMS agencies.
Gary Watters, president of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, warned that ambulance company closures place additional demands on neighboring providers.
“When agencies close, the calls don’t disappear,” Watters said. “Neighboring services must cover more territory and often with resources already stretched too thin.”
The hearings also addressed firefighter health, including occupational cancer risks, mental health concerns and burnout.
The House recently passed House Bill 2826, which would establish a statewide firefighter cancer screening program and a dedicated fund to help eligible firefighters obtain screenings at no cost, subject to available funding.
Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 782, which would allow certain retired public employees to work part time as certified fire, EMS and police instructors without affecting their pension benefits. The legislation has been sent to the governor.
Additional proposals under consideration include measures to support emergency responders and provide opportunities for residents to contribute to local fire departments.
Rowe said addressing the challenges will require policies that support both emergency responders and the organizations that serve Pennsylvania communities.
“Our first responders make an extraordinary commitment to their neighbors,” Rowe said. “We need to match that commitment with practical policies that support their health, strengthen their organizations, and help ensure reliable emergency services are there when Pennsylvanians need them.”