Leetsdale VFD, Sewickley's Cochran Hose get state grants for equipment, projects

The Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department will get some new gear and equipment upgrades as part of a state grant.

Fire Chief Wes James said the department was recently awarded nearly $12,600 through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

Funds will be used for a three new sets of firefighter gear, including bunker pants, coats and boots. Each set costs about $4,300.

The department also plans to get an updated wireless headset system for its engine.

“It will make hearing radio transmissions easier and overall communication better within the crew on board,” James said. “The driver/operator can still move about the exterior of the truck while maintaining communication.”

Purchases will be through Turtle Creek-based 3 Rivers Fire Equipment.

“The Fire Commissioner’s Office does them yearly throughout the state,” James said about the grant. “We’ve got them in the past. Sometimes we’ve done them for debt reduction or equipment. There are needs you can write the grant for. It helps you keep some of your money in the bank and accomplish things.”

Leetsdale VFD will cover any cost difference after the grant.

It has 22 active members and receives $65,000 annually from the borough.

The department received a similar amount through the grant program last year with which it purchased a new hose and two battery powered ventilation fans.

It applied for the latest round of grant funding last fall. The state announced grant awards in early February.

Leetsdale VFD was among more than 2,300 applicants.

Cochran Hose Co. in Sewickley received a $15,000 grant.

Fire Chief Shayne Quinn said his department will be using the funds to purchase a new accountability system through New Jersey-based America Trade Mark Co.

The system is designed to track firefighters on scene, where they are and what department, in an effort to improve communication and fire safety.

Remaining funds will go toward upgrading Cochran Hose’s radios to make them more compatible with Allegheny County emergency dispatching.

“Luckily for us, we get the max (grant) allowed due to the amount of certified firefighters we have,” Quinn said.

Twenty-four of Sewickley’s 32 firefighters are state certified with others currently involved in related training.

Quinn said last year’s State Fire Commissioner’s grant was used for rapid intervention equipment that will be used to assist any downed firefighters on a call.

Other local fire departments awarded grants this year include Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, Verona, Aspinwall, New Kensington and Frazer.

Total grant awards were more than $31 million.