Ciresi helps Pottstown Fire Department secure funding for utility rescue truck

POTTSTOWN, June 7 – With assistance from Rep. Joe Ciresi, the Pottstown Fire Department recently received an $85,000 grant to purchase a utility rescue truck that serves as a fully equipped mobile incident command unit.

Additionally, this multi-purpose support vehicle offers versatility for various hazard responses, medical mass casualty incidents and technical rescue response.

Ciresi, D-Montgomery, helped secure the funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“Anytime we can assist our first responders, my staff and I will do that,” Ciresi said. “The Pottstown Fire Department makes it its mission to provide safety and security to the community, to rush into danger when called to fight fire or help community members in crisis, and to educate the public on fire prevention. It’s a highly deserving department, and I’m grateful to the real-life heroes who will make great use of the new vehicle.”

The smaller-sized utility rescue truck fills an often-overlooked need, said Pottstown Fire Chief Frank Hand.

“We have creek beds, railroads and various other areas in our region that are difficult for our bigger firetrucks to access,” Hand said. “So, this utility rescue truck will not only fit, but it will feature a boat, rescue equipment and other specialty stock that isn’t always available to departments our size. This grant was really a home run for us because a lot of the equipment we had was older, and we’ve been trying to piece together something newer, more modern and faster.

“Thank you to Representative Ciresi for reaching out to us and helping us secure this funding, which undoubtedly makes our jobs easier and our community safer.”

More information is available by contacting Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265.