Burns: $25,000 grant awarded West Hills Regional Fire Department
High-value safety, mitigation equipment added to firefighting arsenal
Rep. Frank Burns May 13, 2024 | 10:47 AM
EBENSBURG, May 13 – West Hills Regional Fire Department will purchase high-value safety and hazardous material mitigation equipment with a $25,000 state grant obtained by state Rep. Frank Burns, as an outgrowth of his communication with the 40-member department.
“I went to their annual banquet and talked to the chief and several members about their needs, and we were able to get them this grant,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “As a result, they will be able to do their jobs more efficiently – and more safely.”
Chief Kevin Schrock said the new equipment includes combustible and carbon monoxide gas detectors, a double-ended aluminum roof ladder that won’t need rotated when in use, and a battery-powered positive pressure fan to help clear smoke and dangerous gases from confined spaces – all significant upgrades to his department’s firefighting arsenal.
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“The fact that Frank was able to get us this high-value equipment is a big help to us. It would have taken us a long time to get the money to purchase this type of equipment. Once again, he has certainly done his job.” – Chief Kevin Schrock, West Hills Regional Fire Department.
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“This is a huge, huge addition for us. Oh, my God, this equipment – that fan alone is over $11,000, and that’s a lot of money to come up with,” Schrock said. “The fact that Frank was able to get us this high-value equipment is a big help to us. It would have taken us a long time to get the money to purchase this type of equipment.
“Once again, he has certainly done his job. And (with the grant) it’s also not an extra tax burden on the community.”
Burns said he recognized the importance of adding the equipment, as the West Hills Regional Fire Department provides fire and ambulance services that benefit three boroughs and one-half of a township, serving that area 24 hours a day.
“These days our fire departments need all the state financial help they can get, and I’m always working to try to get it for them,” Burns said.