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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. James E. Casorio, Jr. |
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State grant will help fund rescue equipment for Penn Borough VFD
HARRISBURG, Jan. 20 – State Rep. James E. Casorio Jr., D-Westmoreland, said a $5,000 state grant that he helped to obtain will allow the Penn Borough Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a complete set of vehicle extrication equipment for use at accident scenes.
"Rescue efforts at the scene of a vehicle accident often involve removing the vehicle from around the victim, since in many cases, a victim cannot be moved due to injury or the potential for injury," Casorio said. "Taking a vehicle apart requires special equipment, and that equipment is expensive.
"The complete set of extrication equipment that Penn Borough Volunteer Fire Department is purchasing will improve its ability to respond to serious vehicle crashes, cut down rescue times at these crashes, and potentially save more lives and prevent more serious injuries."
Casorio said the equipment will include a gasoline-powered combination cutting and spreading tool, an expandable ram, hoses and other necessary accessories. The total cost of the extrication equipment is more than $11,700.
"The state grant will cover nearly half of that cost, so it is a huge help for the fire department," Casorio said. "The fire department is completely volunteer, with about 75 percent of its budget coming from fundraising.
"Without the state grant, this purchase probably would not be possible, so I am very happy that I was able to help the department apply for and receive this grant funding."
Casorio said the grant was awarded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development's Community Revitalization Program. The program makes state grants available to communities for a variety of purposes, including enhancing the safety, health and quality of life of residents; promoting economic development and job creation; and developing and improving civic, cultural and recreational facilities.
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