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Greensburg Today
By the People, for the People
FirstEnergy Foundation Provides $10,000 Grant for First Responder Training at Butler County Community College
Funding will equip BC3's workforce development programs with new rope-rescue and confined space equipment.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to Butler County Community College (BC3) to provide its Workforce Development Industrial Safety and Fire/Hazmat programs with new rope-rescue and confined space equipment. This will give local emergency responders access to the latest tools and training they need to protect the region.
Why it matters
The grant supports the growing demand for skilled first responders, as employment opportunities for firefighters and EMTs are projected to increase steadily through 2034 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The enhanced training capabilities at BC3 will help maintain a strong pipeline of qualified emergency personnel to serve western Pennsylvania communities.
The details
The funding from the FirstEnergy Foundation will enable BC3 to deliver advanced, real-world training that prepares students and community partners to respond effectively in high-risk situations. Local fire departments, volunteer teams, and other public safety partners who work closely with BC3 will directly benefit from these upgraded training facilities.
- The grant was awarded on February 25, 2026.
The players
FirstEnergy Foundation
The charitable giving arm of FirstEnergy Corp., a major electric utility company serving the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Butler County Community College (BC3)
A community college located in western Pennsylvania that offers workforce development programs in industrial safety and fire/hazmat response.
John Hawkins
President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania.
Kevin Smith
Coordinator of Fire/HazMat Training Programs at BC3.
What they’re saying
“First responders rely on rigorous hands-on training to keep our communities safe. By supporting BC3's program, we are investing in the people that show up when it matters most. We are proud to help equip these trainees with the tools and experience they need to stay safe and continue their lifesaving work.”
— John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania (PRNewswire)
“This generous support from the FirstEnergy Foundation enables us to deliver advanced, real-world training that saves lives and ensures a strong, reliable pipeline of highly skilled first responders for our communities. Our students and community partners will gain the confidence and experience needed to respond effectively in high-risk situations.”
— Kevin Smith, Coordinator of Fire/HazMat Training Programs at BC3 (PRNewswire)
What’s next
The new rope-rescue and confined space equipment funded by the grant will be integrated into BC3's Workforce Development Industrial Safety and Fire/Hazmat programs, providing enhanced training opportunities for local emergency responders.
The takeaway
This grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation demonstrates a commitment to community safety and supporting the critical work of first responders. By investing in advanced training facilities at BC3, the foundation is helping to build a stronger, more prepared emergency response network in western Pennsylvania.
