A little more than a week after “an arsonist broke in and tried to claim my life,” Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department at the public safety center to tout aspects of his proposed budget, which includes increased funding opportunities for fire departments.
After an introduction by Mt. Lebanon Fire Chief Kurt Christofel, Gov. Shapiro thanked dozens of regional firefighters in attendance. “We appreciate you every single day,” he said. After noting his personal gratitude for the firefighters who ensured his family and guests were safe after the fire, he listed several initiatives in his proposed budget, including:
- A competitive $30 million grant program for fire companies to purchase equipment, recruit and retrain firefighters
- A pilot program for fire companies to collaborate
- Free cancer screenings for all firefighters, covered by private insurance
Members of local and national media attended the press conference, with questions on topics ranging from the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel to the death of the Pope. Other guests included Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Congressman Chris Deluzio, State Sen. Wayne Fontana, State Rep. Dan Miller and County Executive Sara Innamorato. Each extended their well wishes for Gov. Shapiro and his family and promoted portions of the budget proposal as being important for firefighters and the safety of the public.
Dan Miller told the crowd he watched Gov. Shapiro personally thank each of the firefighters who responded to his home. “I don’t have a memory of a politician taking that much time to thank first responders,” he said.
Representing Mt. Lebanon were Commissioners Andrew Flynn, who is also a volunteer firefighter, and Jeff Siegler, as well as Municipal Manager Keith McGill and Assistant Manager Ian McMeans.
The governor stayed and talked with many of the firefighters after the press conference, continuing to thank them for their work.
“I’m going to continue to have your backs,” Gov. Shapiro said.