New rescue truck at Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services expands specialized response

While most fire departments across the state are struggling to stay afloat, Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services is finding itself on solid ground.

A merger of Aspinwall and Sharpsburg, the department is expected to purchase a $1.3 million heavy rescue truck that not only will respond to local emergencies but also will assist with mutual aid across the region.

Rescue trucks are specialized vehicles that carry equipment necessary to navigate difficult situations like structural collapses and trench rescues. Precision tools might include circular saws, cutting torches, high-lift jacks, winches and generators.

Recently, first responders from SAVES, Etna, Pleasant Valley, Ohio Township and Bethel Park joined members of the North Hills Technical Rescue team for special rescue training.

Sponsored and conducted by instructors with Butler County Community College, exercises included the disassembly of an industrial polisher and a snowblower to educate emergency workers on rescuing victims from machinery disasters.

“With the large amount of infrastructure projects going on and the future development of the Allegheny Shores project, this vehicle will be able to handle any type of rescue call,” SAVES Chief Mike Daniher said.

Allegheny Shores is a mixed-used development planned to span 1.5 miles along the riverfront. It’s the reclamation of a 52-acre brownfield expected to bring housing and entertainment to Sharpsburg.

Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services recently got a boost from the state to help with the rescue truck’s steep price tag.

It was awarded a $275,000 grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, with money made available through the Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund. The remainder of the cost will be funded by Aspinwall and Sharpsburg, both of which have instituted a public safety tax in recent years to help fund fire and EMS.

“This grant reinforces our mission and ensures that our firefighters have the necessary equipment to protect lives and property for years to come,” said department President Dennis Lane.

Funding from the state will significantly alleviate the burden on Aspinwall, Sharpsburg and mutual aid partners that are supporting the essential regional asset, Daniher said.

Across the state, the number of volunteer firefighters has plummeted nearly 90% since 1970, according to the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute. It is estimated that only about 38,000 volunteer firefighters remain in the state.

At Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services, departments merged operations in June 2023 in an effort to thwart struggles with membership and finances.

The Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1893 and the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1871.

The landmark decision created a more robust and efficient firefighting agency for both communities, Daniher said.

Since consolidating, the department has optimized response times, enhanced training programs and streamlined administrative functions, he said.

Today, there is a roster of nearly 40 volunteers who responded to 656 calls last year.

The new rescue truck will replace an older model, will be larger and will boast additional capabilities, Daniher said.

“Our current rescue truck doesn’t have adequate room for all the rescue equipment we have or need,” he said. “As the number of rescue calls continues to increase each year, we need enough space to haul the necessary equipment to handle any emergency.”