Gov. Shapiro says Norfolk Southern will compensate firefighters

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration is working to ensure that fire departments in western Pennsylvania are reimbursed by Norfolk Southern for the cost of replacing all equipment contaminated during the response to the East Palestine train derailment .

Fire stations in Beaver, Lawrence and Washington counties have reported contaminated response equipment, hoses and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and some water supply drop tanks.

According to a press release from Shapiro’s office, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner have reached out directly to local fire departments and are working with them to identify and catalog their damaged and contaminated equipment to streamline filings with the Norfolk Southern Claims Director.

“First responders took the call – their departments deserve to be recovered and we expect Norfolk Southern to quickly reimburse any department that responded to the derailment and need to replace equipment. My administration will continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for any impact on the Commonwealth,” Gov. Shapiro said.

Last week, Shapiro submitted a letter to Norfolk Southern raising questions about the emergency response carried out immediately after the derailment and promising to hold the company accountable.

He also met with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and US EPA Administrator Michael Regan for a news conference in eastern Palestine on Tuesday, and then met with affected residents in Beaver County.