Alle-Kiski Valley fire companies awarded state grants for equipment, training

Summit Hose firefighters will be equipped with new portable radios thanks to a state grant awarded this month.

Chief Josh Fox said his department is expected to receive $15,000 through the state fire commissioner’s office.

“We’ll use it to cover several new radios to replace ones that are now old and outdated,” Fox said. “The money helps us tremendously.”

Summit Hose, on West Seventh Avenue in Tarentum, is among five local emergency services to share the $29 million in state grants announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and Acting State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook.

Statewide, the money will be split among 2,115 recipients in all 67 counties.

In Allegheny County, 161 first responder units received grants ranging from about $7,800 to $25,000.

Nearly 30 local departments across Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler and Westmoreland will receive grants.

Jim Erb, a lifetime member at Citizens Hose, said money for his department will be used to buy new turnout gear. That might include helmets, boots or gloves.

“That protective gear is crazy expensive, but it’s critical for guys who do the internal firefighting,” Erb said.

To completely outfit one member can cost up to $5,000, he said.

The state fire commissioner’s grant is an annual program that local volunteers rely on, Fox said.

For Summit Hose, a department with about 20 active members, the money translates to less time spent on fundraising and more time spent on education and training.

“It’s very much appreciated,” Fox said. “Updating our equipment every year means we can continue to provide the community with great service.”

Josh Wiegand, chief for 14 years at West Deer No. 3, said the state grant will be used by his department for debt reduction.

Members owe about $1.8 million on their building and one of the vehicles.

“We use the money as a principal payment,” Wiegand said. “It helps us pay off our loans a littler earlier. We appreciate the help.”

Likewise, West Deer No. 2 Chief Adam Williams said his department relies on the yearly stipend to reduce debt.

“We use it to pay toward our truck loan,” Williams said. “We rely on it heavily.”