It would be great if the Zelienople-Harmony Emergency Management Agency would never have to use its new rescue boat for an actual emergency.

However, such a prospect seems unlikely, as a number of flooding episodes along Connoquenessing Creek over the years have shown, especially the area's encounter last September with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.

The Zelienople-Harmony EMA, which operates as a branch of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, merits praise and support for its commitment to the safety of area residents, as evidenced by the boat purchase.

Likewise, it is to be hoped that the Zelienople-Harmony agency will be supported by the communities it serves when it embarks on its next fund-raising exercise, which will be geared toward the purchase of new portable water pumps.

For now, the new boat, new 15- and 30-horsepower outboard motors and life jackets purchased have involved a substantial investment - $10,000 - which came from appropriations from Zelienople and Harmony boroughs and Lancaster Township, as well as from fund-raising activities.

According to Zelienople-Harmony EMA officials, the new 14-foot inflatable boat will provide the kind of stability needed in rescue operations. With the arrival of the new boat, EMA members are eyeing more intense water-rescue training, which is reassuring to people in areas that the EMA serves.

The region doesn't want any more inundations like last September's, but if new flooding does occur, the Zelienople-Harmony EMA will be better prepared to tackle whatever challenges it encounters.