President Joe Biden will join Philadelphia firefighters on Monday to announce federal funding that will reopen three fire companies, according to the White House. The companies — Engine 6, Ladder 1 and Ladder 11 — were decommissioned during the Great Recession. Union leaders have said the cutbacks hampered the city’s response to a deadly rowhouse fire in the Fairmount neighborhood last year. Three adults and nine children were killed in the blaze.
Quick Read
- Biden’s Announcement with Philadelphia Firefighters: President Joe Biden is set to announce federal funding for reopening three fire companies in Philadelphia.
- Recommissioning Fire Companies: Engine 6, Ladder 1, and Ladder 11, decommissioned during the Great Recession, will be reopened.
- Context of the Funding: The decision follows concerns about hampered fire responses, notably in last year’s deadly Fairmount rowhouse fire.
- Federal Funding Details: Philadelphia will receive $22.4 million for 72 firefighters’ salaries and benefits for three years, sourced from the SAFER program through FEMA.
- Event Attendees: Joining Biden will be Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell, and fire union leaders Ed Kelly and Mike Bresnan.
- Biden’s Political Agenda: The event coincides with Biden’s campaign fundraiser in Philadelphia, as he gears up for a possible election battle against Donald Trump.
The Associated Press has the story:
Biden heads to Philadelphia for firefighters’ funding and fundraising
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
President Joe Biden will join Philadelphia firefighters on Monday to announce federal funding that will reopen three fire companies, according to the White House.
The companies — Engine 6, Ladder 1 and Ladder 11 — were decommissioned during the Great Recession. Union leaders have said the cutbacks hampered the city’s response to a deadly rowhouse fire in the Fairmount neighborhood last year. Three adults and nine children were killed in the blaze.
The White House said Philadelphia would receive $22.4 million to pay for 72 firefighters’ salaries and benefits for three years. The money comes from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and was made available through last year’s budget.
Also scheduled to attend Monday’s event are Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell.
Ed Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and Mike Bresnan, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22, are expected to be there as well.
Biden has political reasons to be in Philadelphia as well. He’s scheduled to hold a campaign fundraiser in the city.
The Democratic president is ramping up his fundraising as he prepares for a potential rematch with Republican former President Donald Trump next year.
