UPMC and Highmark commit $45M to Pittsburgh fire and emergency response services

The City of Pittsburgh has received commitments totaling $45 million over the next five years from major local employers UPMC and Highmark to strengthen the city’s emergency response services. The pledges include annual awards of $5 million from UPMC to the Bureau of Emergency Resources and $4 million from Highmark to the Bureau of Fire to pay for vehicles and medical first responder resources. UPMC’s commitment builds on a previous $10 million award to fund the maintenance of the city’s EMS vehicles. The targeted nonprofit funding aims to backstop critical emergency infrastructure, improve public safety resources and address longstanding city fleet and service needs.