The Governor, First Family, and Chef Irvine thanked firefighters and first responders from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, Progress Volunteer Fire Department, Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, and the Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland who responded early Sunday morning to the Governor’s Residence.

During the visit, the Governor reaffirmed his strong commitment to supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders — his 2025-26 proposed budget includes a new $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment and recruit and retain firefighters.

Harrisburg, PA – On April 17th, Governor Josh Shapiro, First Lady Lori Shapiro, and their family visited Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1 to serve lunch and thank the firefighters who responded to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence this past Sunday. The First Family was joined by Chef Robert Irvine, who helped prepare and serve the meal. The Robert Irvine Foundation sponsored the meal – and have sponsored similar meals alongside the Governor and First Lady for Pennsylvania veterans at the Governor’s Residence.

Firefighters from Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station 1, Progress Volunteer Fire Department, Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department, and the Defense Logistics Agency in New Cumberland all responded to the early morning fire. Governor Shapiro recognized members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 428 for their courage in protecting both the community and the First Family.

“This weekend, our family witnessed the incredible bravery and excellence of our firefighters and first responders,” said Governor Shapiro. “These brave firefighters ran towards danger to keep us safe and today, my family and I were honored to serve them lunch and thank them not just for what they did for us — but for what they do every day to keep families all across Harrisburg safe. Chef Irvine does extraordinary work to honor first responders and veterans across the globe — I’m grateful to him and his team for coming out today to help us give back to the folks who give so much to their communities.”

In the wake of the fire, the Governor and First Lady spoke with their children, who wanted to do something to thank the firefighters. Around the same time, Chef Irvine — a long-time supporter of military and first responder communities — reached out offering to help. Together, they planned April 17th’s lunch to show appreciation for the firefighters’ heroism and everyday service.

“On behalf of myself and the Robert Irvine Foundation, I want to say how proud we are to sponsor April 17th’s Breaking Bread with Heroes event,” said Chef Irvine. “The fire at Governor Shapiro’s residence was a terrible shock; but the prompt, professional, and fearless response of the firefighters we honor today helped save lives and avert what could have been an unmitigated disaster. We’re forever indebted to first responders like these. Today’s meal is a small token of gratitude for their sacrifice.”

Fire Chief Brian Enterline welcomed the First Family and Chef Irvine to Station 1, where they met with 19 firefighters who responded to the arson, along with volunteer firefighters who assisted. The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire responds to more than 3,200 calls annually across three stations, employing over 90 professional firefighters represented by IAFF Local 428. Station 1, known as “The Uptown,” serves Harrisburg’s Uptown neighborhood and the Governor’s Residence. It is also home to Camp Curtin Fire Co. #13 — one of the city’s last fully volunteer fire companies.

Supporting Pennsylvania’s First Responders and Firefighters

Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters — outlining key proposals in his 2025-26 proposed budget aimed at strengthening fire companies and preventing disasters before they happen.

As fires become a growing threat across the country, Pennsylvania’s professional and volunteer firefighters continue to rise to the challenge — responding to more calls even as their ranks decline. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes three major initiatives to support and sustain Pennsylvania’s fire service:

• Creating a new $30 million competitive grant program for fire companies to help them purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique local needs — in addition to the $30 million that is already distributed to fire companies annually.
• Establishing a pilot program to help municipal fire companies work together and share resources more efficiently through cooperative service models.
• Covering annual cancer screenings for firefighters, recognizing the chemical exposures and health risks they face on the job.

These proposed investments build on a strong foundation of support that Governor Shapiro has already delivered on:

• In the 2024-25 budget, the Governor invested $37.5 million in grants to over 2,500 local fire and EMS departments, supporting equipment, training, facility upgrades, and operational costs.
• In his first budget, the Governor secured an increase to the 911 surcharge, from $1.65 to $1.95 — increasing critical emergency funding for all 61 emergency call centers across the Commonwealth and strengthening emergency services in all 67 counties.
• In October 2024, the Governor signed legislation expanding worker’s compensation to include post-traumatic stress injuries for Pennsylvania’s first responders. The law will take effect in October 2025.

The Shapiro Administration remains focused on delivering for Pennsylvania’s first responders — ensuring firefighters have the tools, training, and support they need to protect their neighbors and communities, today and into the future.