Pa. fire department receives $1.2M grant to hire firefighters

"It's going to increase the level of safety for the firefighters that are on duty. We're hopeful to get a third fire engine company place back in service," said Fire Chief Jay Delaney

WNEP

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The Wilkes-Barre Fire Department has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to hire eight new firefighters.

That will bring the total number in the city to 67. “It’s going to increase the level of safety for the firefighters that are on duty, but it’s going to give us a higher level of safety. We’re hopeful to get a third fire engine company place back in service,” said Fire Chief Jay Delaney.

Right now, Chief Delaney said there are two ambulances, two fire trucks and one ladder truck ready for emergencies. He said the grant money will allow the city to reopen the South Station on Parrish Street in the city and man it with another fire truck about 80 percent of the time. Delaney said that could mean better response time for people in the Rolling Mill Hill, the Heights, and South sections of the city.

Full story: Grant Money For Firefighters in Wilkes-Barre