program for north-central Pennsylvania supported by Governor Rendell. The evaluation included the areas of facilities, apparatus, equipment, personnel, dispatching and communications, fire department operations, fire department administration, mutual aid, training, finances, water supply, inter-company relations, local government relations, public relations, recruiting, and retention, and long-range planning. Recommendations were also provided.
Black Forest Fire Company, among others, received a number of favorable comments. One recommendation was for all the fire stations to start training together. We at Black Forest have been attempting to do that, and have had greater success training with Clinton County. We have excellent training materials and equipment, but we can't generate local interest.
It was recommended that as soon as it is financially feasible that Tanker 36 be replaced with a more suitable Tanker. We have applied to FEMA for the past four years, and so far, not been able to receive assistance.
It was also recommended that Black
Forest Fire Company obtain a small truck or trailer to carry its rescue equipment. That problem is currently being addressed.
Overall, there were a total of seventy-two recommendations spread out over all the companies. Any persons who desires to review the report, or the recommendations, may contact the Black Forest Fire Company or their Township Supervisors.
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Black Forest Fire Company Receives State OFC Grant For Years '06 & '07
This year the Black Forest Fire Company has been approved to receive a Grant from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OFC). The funding will cover a period of two years. The total amount for the grant will be announced in January, 2008. It is expected the amounts will be similar to previous years, except that it will cover a two year period, 2006 and 2007.
Commissioner Edward A. Mann visited the Black Forest Fire Station this fall and provided his approval for the Station's grant application.
The money will be used to construct a rescue trailer for Station 36. We currently have three State Certified Rescue Technicians and a significant amount of rescue equipment. However, the equipment is distributed within all three of our trucks. Concentrating all of this equipment within one vehicle will be more effective, and will provide for efficient operations at the accident scene.
Assistant Chief Tom Osborn is working with Design Transport, Inc. of Montoursville, and Performance Advantage Company of Lancaster, New York to come up with a design.
If all goes well, the next year will produce another new unit for
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