Senator Farry E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants Awarded
  • Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
  • PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
  • Neshaminy High School Bowler Sets PA Record
  • Highway Safety Law Awareness Week
  • Happy Presidents Day!

Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants Awarded

Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner, Thomas Cook, announced earlier this month, the approval of grant awards totaling more than $37 million to 2,455 applicants who sought funding for the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (FCEMSGP).

The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program (FCEMSGP) is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) and makes an annual grant program available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads.

Through legislation, I was instrumental in reauthorizing this grant program as well as expanding it to better meet the needs of our local volunteer and career fire companies. Over $7.5 million more was contributed to this fund from tax on fireworks when I amended the law.

Over $390,000 was awarded to EMS and Fire Companies in the 6th Senate district.  A list of those grant awardees can be found here.

Eligible projects in accordance with the program include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts.  All fire companies, emergency medical service, and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program.

Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks

The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government.

Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian.

The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks.

PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages

As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks.

There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike.

Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here.

Neshaminy Bowler Sets Pennsylvania Record – Two Perfect Games in One Match

Zak Pfeiffer, Neshaminy High School junior, bowled two perfect 300 games last week in the final match of the season against William Tennent High School.  A feat that has never happened in Pennsylvania. 

Zak bowled a 300 his first game, a 206 game, and then another 300 game, for an 806 series. According to head coach Deb Wolstenholme, a perfect game has happened many times before in high school bowling competitions, but two perfect games by the same bowler in the same series is a phenomenal achievement. 

Only two high school bowlers had ever had a pair of 300 games in one match — one from Kansas in 2016 and one from Ohio in 2006, according to the United States High School Bowling Foundation website.

Zak’s bowling that day also helped the team secure the SOL National League Championship. Congratulations to Zak and the rest of the Neshaminy Bowling Team and good luck in the post season.

Pennsylvania Highway Safety Law Awareness Week

As part of Highway Safety Law Awareness Week (Feb. 18-24, 2024.), PennDOT is reminding motorists of Pennsylvania laws that apply to vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and roadway and emergency workers.

These roadway users are more exposed to the dangers of unsafe drivers and pose low risk to motorists. Pennsylvania has multiple laws that apply to the road users, as well as the motorists who share the road with them.

Read more about these laws. 

Happy Presidents Day!

On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country in the right direction. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded.

Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

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