Shapiro talks next steps at firefighter lunch

(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro and the First Family served lunch to the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire who responded to the arson attack at the Governor’s Residence early Sunday morning.

Chef Robert Irvine, whose foundation supports the military, veterans and first responders, helped prepare the meal for local firefighters.

“I just want to begin by again on behalf of Lori and our kids and our whole family thanking the local fire companies for answering that call, for being there so quickly and getting that fire out and quite literally saving our lives,” said Shapiro.

The governor used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of supporting the state’s fire companies. Though Harrisburg Bureau of Fire is a paid department, as are those of many of the state’s metropolitan areas, the vast majority of fire services in the commonwealth are volunteer.

Shapiro’s 2025-2026 budget includes an additional $30 million in competitive grants for fire companies, most of which receive grants for $15,000 annually from the state. They largely rely on local municipalities and community fundraising, a structure that has become increasingly difficult to support.

Progress Volunteer Fire Department and Lemoyne Volunteer Fire Department also responded to Sunday’s call, as did the private New Cumberland business Defense Logistics Agency.

“There’s no real words other than thank you, and there’s no way that we can fully express our great thanks other than to be dedicated to supporting our firefighters and first responders every day,” said Shapiro.

The governor stayed the course in refraining from discussion or speculation about the attacker responsible for Sunday’s fire, deferring to the District Attorney’s office for details on the case. He did, however, elaborate on the timeline of events that night and his family’s mental state.

“My kids are resilient, and Lori’s a rock, and we’re getting through it,” said the governor, who said he could feel the prayers and warm wishes people of all faiths were sending their way. “Those prayers are lifting us up, and it feels like it’s wrapped around us and protecting us during this time.”

The governor read a prayer from the book of Numbers, which he says he and First Lady Lori Shapiro recite to their children in Hebrew. He said, “It’s a hope and a prayer that we have not just for our kids but every child across Pennsylvania that they live in a society that’s free and peaceful where they are protected and they are watched over by God.”

In addition to being watched over by God, the First Family is provided a security detail from the Pennsylvania State Police, which is now reviewing protocol and protections at the Governor’s Residence. The agency announced that they’ve engaged a third-party consultant to review the incident. Shapiro has expressed full confidence in PSP while noting, “There are going to be a lot of improvements.”

The comments came as preparations to repair the mansion, which has been home to the state’s executives since 1968, began. The Department of General Services has set an “aggressive restoration and construction schedule” so that normal business can resume at the Residence.

The timeline is in keeping with the governor’s commitment not to let the attack deter him or the state from their work. The family is expected to return to the living quarters as quickly as possible and are planning to follow through with a scheduled Easter egg roll next week.

“At the direction of Governor Shapiro, DGS is working closely with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to restore the Governor’s residence to full operation to ensure the Governor and his family, residence staff, and Pennsylvanians can return to the building quickly and safely,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeill in an update Thursday.