In an engine bay in a Philadelphia fire station Monday, President Joe Biden reiterated his support for the nation's fire service.
“The only thing that protects firefighters is more firefighters. Let me say that again. The only thing that protects firefighters is more firefighters," Biden said as he announced that Philadelphia Fire Department was the recipient of a $22.4 million SAFER grant.
The money is earmarked to pay for the hiring of 72 firefighters which will allow three closed stations to reopen. The grant will pay for salaries and benefits for the next three years.
“My entire career, I’ve been committed to doing everything I can to put more firefighters in the field and give you the training and equipment you need to do your jobs. That’s what today is all about.”
He noted that the closest ladder truck was not in service last year when a fire in Fairmount killed a dozen people including nine children, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“God only knows if we’d been able to get there that much earlier and save lives,” Biden said at Ladder 1 in Francisville. This neighborhood now has a ladder truck on call.”
IAFF General President Edward Kelly told those gathered at the fire station: “The most important thing we bring to a fire or emergency isn’t ladders or water. It’s professional, well-trained fire fighters and emergency medical workers. Properly staffing and equipping fire departments keeps our communities safe and saves the lives of civilians and fire fighters alike. Nobody knows this better than Joe Biden.”
Kelly spoke of the importance of the SAFER grant.
“We’re calling on Congress to reauthorize this program immediately. Fully fund the SAFER Act and the FIRE Act, the partner grant program providing critical equipment that keeps the public AND fire fighters safe. Put partisan politics aside,” Kelly said, “and get the SAFER and AFG reauthorization to President Biden’s desk.”
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel thanked Biden for the money that will allow the stations to reopen.
As a firefighter on the ladder told dispatchers that it was in service, the crowd applauded.
