West Hazleton, Pa., recently witnessed firefighters showcasing new rescue gear purchased with a $40,000 Gary Sinise Foundation grant, enhancing their emergency response capabilities. This upgrade aims to provide the department with more efficient and reliable tools to support rescue operations and victim safety.
During a demonstration on Friday, firefighters used air-powered pumps to raise an overturned vehicle, simulating a rescue where a trapped victim’s arm could be freed safely. The new equipment, connected to struts under the vehicle, allowed the car to lift steadily, displaying its strength and ease of use compared to the older 1994 gear.
Capabilities and Benefits of the New Rescue Gear
Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Milore described the gear’s versatility, highlighting its use in rope rescues, vehicle stabilization, and even lifting heavy objects like railcars. The new tools are lighter and simpler to operate, reducing setup time during critical moments.
The West Hazleton Fire Department identified this equipment upgrade as essential, partly through the efforts of Fire Department President Joseph Zajac, who actively seeks funding opportunities to meet the department’s needs.
Applying for and Receiving the Gary Sinise Foundation Grant
The department learned about the Gary Sinise Foundation, known for assisting veterans, emergency responders, and other causes, through President Zajac’s resourcefulness. The foundation’s grants are national and highly competitive, prompting West Hazleton to submit a strong application supported by a letter from U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan of Dallas Township, Pennsylvania.
“We think that made the difference,”
Zajac explained about the congressional endorsement.
Bresnahan attended the equipment demonstration, engaging with firefighters about the new tools and touring the historic 1888 firehouse that the department maintains. Following the event, he shared lunch with firefighters, Mayor John Chura, and borough council members, shifting conversations toward the next major goal: acquiring a new fire engine.
Challenges in Replacing Aging Fire Department Vehicles
The department’s busiest fire engine is 26 years old and has required $25,000 in recent repairs, a cost Zajac considers unsustainable. In 2023, replacing this vehicle was prioritized, yet manufacturing and delivery timelines for a new engine could extend up to four years, a delay the department cannot afford.
A new engine’s cost is estimated between $1 million and $1.2 million, a significant sum compared to the borough government’s $4 million annual budget.
West Hazleton applied for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program but did not advance beyond the initial selection round. Another potential funding avenue is Congressional Community Project Funding, though this too is a highly competitive process.
Bresnahan reported receiving 111 applications for only 15 available grants in the latest cycle, and he promised to inform the department when new appropriation guidelines are released. He and his wife, Chelsea, also run a foundation offering smaller donations, including ambulance equipment and rescue boats, to local fire companies.
Department Staffing and Community Support
West Hazleton Fire Chief Brandon Cressman, the department’s sole full-time employee, noted that part-time staff handle apparatus operations alongside a dedicated volunteer force. Of around 30 registered volunteers, about 12 to 15 respond during a typical shift.
“I give you guys a lot of credit,”
said Bresnahan, acknowledging the fire department’s efforts and commitment.
Outlook for Future Equipment and Support
The grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation represents a crucial step in modernizing rescue equipment for West Hazleton’s emergency responders, improving their ability to manage emergencies safely and efficiently. However, replacing the aging fire engine remains a pressing challenge, dependent on securing competitive federal and congressional funding.
With continued community backing and strategic grant applications, the department aims to build on recent successes and enhance overall fire and rescue readiness for the borough and surrounding areas.
