Jefferson Hills Volunteer Fire Fighters Become Trained as Swift Water Rescuers est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Weather experts say that in a warming world , wet seasons are getting wetter and dry seasons are getting dryer . In recent years , Glassport and Elizabeth volunteer fire departments have seen a huge increase in the need to help neighboring communities with swift water rescues during storms and flooding .
“ So far this year , we have had 15 swift water rescue calls compared to three or so in past years ,” said Charles Smith , Elizabeth VFD engineer . Elizabeth and Glassport have assisted Jefferson Hills when these emergencies occur . “ But with the increasing number of storms and people being trapped in rising water , we are seeing a greater need for all of our local communities to have the water rescue resources they need ,” said Brian Chalfant , president of Jefferson Hills Fire Rescue and assistant chief of the Jefferson Hills 885 Volunteer Fire Company .
As an example , on June 22 , Jefferson Hills firefighters responded to 22 calls of flooding in two and one half hours . “ We carry life jackets and throw bags , but we don ’ t have the dry suits , the boat and the extra training we need ,” Chalfant said .
At its June meeting , Jefferson Hills Council voted to provide approximately $ 32,000 for the initial cost of swift water rescue equipment which includes a specialized rescue boat and trailer ,
Elizabeth VFD engineer Chuck Smith demonstrates the 25 lb . rescue life jacket that has twice the buoyancy of regular life jackets .
56 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
The rescue boat , motor and trailer
dry suits , life vests and other equipment for eight firefighters . Borough fire fighters will also go through a four hour classroom training which starts with a water awareness course from the Fish & Boat Commission . An additional 64 hours of training will include water rescue and emergency response , advanced line systems , boat operations and winter ice rescue .
The thermal insulated dry suit , helmets and boots will protect our firemen from cold water and other environmental elements .
Council President Chris King said the Borough is happy to provide the initial equipment for our fire fighters . “ During several recent water emergencies , we had to rely on help from surrounding communities and their swift water personnel and rescue equipment ,” he said . “ We realize the importance of having our own trained personnel and equipment to help keep our community safe in future emergencies .”
Chalfant said the Jefferson Hills fire fighters are grateful to Elizabeth and Glassport volunteer fire companies for their swift water rescue assistance in the past and look forward to mutually helping each other in emergencies . “ All communities need these resources , and once we get trained , we will be one big water rescue team ,” he said .