Harmony Fire District receives breathing tanks
HARMONY — Harmony Fire District is breathing easy after members gathered Monday night to review the district's new self-contained breathing apparatus that arrived last week.
“They're going to go in service tonight,” said Justin Hart, assistant chief.
The fire district was able to purchase the 33 much-needed SCBAs thanks to an October 2019 award totaling $210,329 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“It just gives us the newest technology available,” Hart said.
HFD replaced an additional seven SCBAs using its own money. The apparatus was purchased from Pro-Am Safety in Warrendale and cost about $6,000 apiece.
From the start, the FEMA money was slated to replace the district's SCBAs that were still working, but outdated. Air tanks are good for about 15 years, and older air tanks can still be practiced with. But firefighters need SCBA they can rely on when duty calls.
“We can't go into a hazardous environment without that,” Hart said.
Members of fire district were fitted for breathing masks Monday night before the SCBA was installed into trucks. The equipment comes in three sizes, with each size tailored to the firefighter.
“You just make sure whatever size you (need) fits you properly,” Hart said.
The fire district completes regular maintenance on SCBAs, some of which were replaced in 2019. Without the FEMA grant, it would have needed to buy new equipment using its own money.
The FEMA grant specifically targets large-scale needs and is the biggest the fire district has secured in many years. District officials actually began pursuing the funding in 2018.
Though HFD is provided for by the communities it serves in many ways, Hart said the FEMA funding was important.
“Our equipment (is) all in fairly good shape,” Hart said. “It just takes a weight off all our shoulders.”
HFD has 60 active volunteers and serves the communities of Harmony, Jackson, Lancaster and Zelienople. Its fleet of 10 vehicles includes three master pumps, a ladder truck and a heavy rescue vehicle. The new SCBA will outfit firefighters for any number of emergencies, from house fires to manhole rescues.
The grant covered a large portion of the SCBA purchase, which helps with the district's long-term goal.
“We do a lot of fundraising,” Hart said. “We're looking to build a station.”
The next call Harmony responds to will be the first call the SCBA is used on. Of the 67 pounds of equipment a firefighter wears, 28 pounds are SCBA.
“We can breathe clean air,” Hart said.
