PRESS RELEASE
Ten Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded Nearly $1 Million SAFER Grant to Strengthen Regional Emergency Services
Pittsburgh, PA – A coalition of ten volunteer fire departments across northern Allegheny County has been awarded nearly $1 million through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The grant will fund a comprehensive recruitment and retention initiative designed to address the region’s critical shortage of volunteer firefighters.
The award supports the efforts of Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services (SAVES), along with Etna Volunteer Fire Company, Millvale Volunteer Fire Department, Reserve Volunteer Fire Department, Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department, Cherry City Volunteer Fire Company, Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company, Shaler Villa Volunteer Fire Company, Sharp Hill Volunteer Fire Company, and Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company.
These departments proudly serve and represent the communities of Aspinwall Boro, Sharpsburg Boro, Etna Boro, Millvale Boro, Reserve Township, and Shaler Township.
The funding will provide updated protective equipment, a regional recruitment and retention coordinator, new member onboarding support, marketing campaigns, and incentive programs to attract and retain volunteers. Together, these measures will ensure that the ten departments can continue to provide timely, effective, and life-saving services to their communities.
Protecting Communities and Critical Infrastructure
Collectively, the coalition safeguards more than 48,000 residents across four boroughs and three townships in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. The region also contains critical infrastructure such as State Routes 28 and 8, the Allegheny River and its water supply systems, multiple rail lines, and major bridges connecting to the City of Pittsburgh.
Voices of Gratitude
“This grant is truly a lifeline for our fire service,” said a representative of the coalition. “It ensures that our volunteers will have the equipment, training, and support they need to continue protecting our communities safely and effectively.”
“We are incredibly grateful for this investment in our region,” added another coalition leader. “By working together, we can build up our volunteer ranks, improve response times, and give our firefighters the resources they need to serve their neighbors.”
Dennis Lane, President of Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services, emphasized the long-term impact: “This award will allow us to focus on the future. It strengthens not just one department, but ten, and ultimately provides peace of mind for the 48,000 residents we protect every day.”
A Commitment to Regional Safety
The award underscores the importance of regional collaboration and the dedication of volunteer firefighters who serve without pay, often at great personal sacrifice. With this funding, the departments are well-positioned to expand recruitment, retain members, and continue safeguarding both lives and critical infrastructure across the Allegheny Valley.
About the Coalition: This regional effort is led by Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services (SAVES), formed in 2023 through the merger of Sharpsburg and Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Departments. Together with Etna VFC, Millvale VFD, Reserve VFD, Bauerstown VFD, Cherry City VFC, Elfinwild VFC, Shaler Villa VFC, Sharp Hill VFC, and Undercliff VFC, the coalition represents a unified front dedicated to ensuring public safety through volunteer fire service.
