Escape bags, protective wear to be upgraded at Citizens Hose

Personal escape bags with gear to rappel down buildings will be among the items upgraded at Citizens Hose in Harrison, the township’s primary rescue company.

“If the guys are on the second or third floor and they have to go out the window, we have to have these in good shape,” fire Chief T.J. Bajack said.

The fire-rescue-EMS station along Burtner Road is staffed by Advanced Life Support personnel around the clock.

The group was awarded $25,000 through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to cover purchases that will include turnout gear and protective wear.

Bajack of Harrison said the equipment is crucial for keeping volunteers safe — and patients, too.

EMS Chief Jim Erb said a portion of the grant will pay down a $120,000 loan that was used to buy four heart monitors.

They are critical technology for the ambulances, helping EMTs determine the severity of someone’s condition, he said.

“They cost $35,000 each,” Erb said. “Anytime we get any money, we try to pay down on that. It’s the bunch of little funding that we get that helps us manage.”

Erb also is eyeing purchases of personal protective equipment, such as winter jackets and reflective jackets, to wear at accident scenes.

Bajack plans to purchase 15 personal escape bags for fire personnel, which cost about $400 each, or a total of $6,000.

Two sets of turnout gear also will be replaced. The cost is expected to be about $8,000.

Bajack said the department has about 25 members. He likes to rotate the equipment to keep everything modern and up to standards.

“The turnout gear lasts about 10 years for interior use,” he said. “For guys that go in to fight the fires, we have to keep them up.”

State Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Fox Chapel, said the grants for local firefighters and EMS are especially important.

“Considering there is a shortage of firefighters and EMS providers, this funding ensures emergency responders will have the resources needed,” she said.