Fire depts.get state tax funds

Herald, The (Sharon, PA)

Nov. 24--PINE TOWNSHIP -- Like most fire departments, Pine Township Engine Co. takes training seriously.

But the Pine Township firefighters have extra reason to make their practice perfect -- an incentive that is strong in the minds of their comrades.

On Feb. 29, 2008, Brad Holmes, whose father also was a Pine Township firefighter, was critically injured while battling a blaze in Grove City. Holmes, 21, died five days later of his injuries.

"We spend between $10,000 to $15,000 annually for training," Pine Township fire Chief Levi Hipps said. "In 2008, we lost a firefighter. We do everything we can to eliminate that from happening again."

That's why the annual disbursement of state tax funds are sorely needed in Pine Township and other Mercer County fire departments. The state Auditor General's office distributed $438,751 for training and equipment to fire companies in the county.

Fire departments across the state received $55.1 million. Pine Township received $25,314.10 through the program.

Funding for the grants comes from a 2 percent tax on insurance premiums on fire and casualty insurance policies issued by companies based outside the state.

Under the grant regulations, funds have to be used for equipment or training. Mercer County fire department leaders said the grant program is welcome because outfitting and preparing firefighters are expensive.

Hipps said Pine Township will use state money and other funding sources to buy equipment to help people trapped in vehicles. The department also is part of Mercer County's farm rescue team, which requires specialized training.

The department regularly helps in auto accident extractions along the I-80 and I-79 corridor.

Capt. Mike Cadman of Greenville Fire Department said his agency will use its $7,943.96 for equipment.

"A self-contained breathing apparatus alone costs between $5,000 to $6,000," Cadman said. "And this is part of the standard equipment."

Cadman said his department also plans to replace some of its fire hoses -- at a cost of about $180 for a 50-foot section of hose.

"But we have a total of 2,000 feet of hose," Cadman said. "So if you go to replace it all at one time it would be in the tens of thousands of dollars."

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