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| Duke Hose Captain Joe Gray explains some equipment to Senator Cathy Young |
WELLSVILLE - "You really stretched it!" That's what state Senator Cathy Young told volunteer firefighters in Wellsville Saturday as she reviewed how much equipment was purchased with an $18,000 grant she secured. The funding was split between the Duke Hose Company and the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company.
The rescue equipment was on full display at the Duke Hose Company Saturday afternoon. The gear included items for scene safety, water rescue, rope rescue, lighting and much more.
Sen. Young said "I brag about you (the fire department) all across the state. Young noted that about two weeks after the first purchases were made, the equipment was pressed into action. She said it proved how badly needed the equipment was.
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| Sen. Young reviews rescue equipment her grant funded |
Assistant Fire Chief Barney Dillie said between the two companies, there are about two dozen or so Technical Rescue team members. Dillie noted that the members put in at least 100 hours of training...as a starting point. He added that the membership levels are down and they decided to split the equipment across multiple fire companies. (This is how we're adapting," Dillie said. Michael Walsh, 1st Assistant Captain for the Emerald's said "in a moments notice, we can put the equipment to use." Emerald Captain Garrett Gardner told reporters that most of the equipment they purchased for their truck was for scene safety, vests, cones, rescue equipment and power tools. Duke Hose Captain Joe Gray said "we can't do it without good people." Gray was described by many of his peers as a lead driving force behind the technical rescue effort.
The fire department said it continues to be in need of volunteers. If you are interested, stop by any fire station or contact a firefighter.
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Duke Hose members |
