HOOVERSVILLE, SOMERSET COUNTY--- A Somerset County fire department has become the fifth in the state to be certified in saving lives in raging water.
The Hooversville Volunteer Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team received Pennsylvania Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition as a Type 3A Swift Water rescue/Flood Evacuation Team.
"It is part of being dedicated and wanting to help your community," said Mike Shumaker, Assistant Fire Chief. "We worked really hard for this and I am very proud of everyone in our department who stepped up to the plate."
"This is the second department in our region to have this," said Carl Moen, Director of Southern Alleghenies EMS Council. (SEMS)
The department spent over a year and a half training for this level of performing water rescues.
"Our training has opened our eyes to the dangers of water," said James A. Karashowsky, Chief. "Its dangerous and it doesn't take much water to cause a lot of damage."
The department was honored Tuesday with the certification from the state.
The Hooversville Volunteer Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team received Pennsylvania Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition as a Type 3A Swift Water rescue/Flood Evacuation Team.
"It is part of being dedicated and wanting to help your community," said Mike Shumaker, Assistant Fire Chief. "We worked really hard for this and I am very proud of everyone in our department who stepped up to the plate."
"This is the second department in our region to have this," said Carl Moen, Director of Southern Alleghenies EMS Council. (SEMS)
The department spent over a year and a half training for this level of performing water rescues.
"Our training has opened our eyes to the dangers of water," said James A. Karashowsky, Chief. "Its dangerous and it doesn't take much water to cause a lot of damage."
The department was honored Tuesday with the certification from the state.
Charlotte Ames is the area's only local Health Reporter and brings you the latest medical health news weeknights. You can catch Healthcast on WTAJ News at 5:00pm and her Health Headlines report on WTAJ News at 5:30pm.