By Erin James
The Evening Sun
Copyright 2007 MediaNews Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
HANOVER, Penn. — West Manheim Township rescue workers now have more than just ambulances available for emergency responses.
The township recently bought an off-road utility vehicle to add to its growing collection of emergency response vehicles.
A rescue boat was added two years ago and a snowmobile has been in the township’s possession since 1996, said Mike Hampton, a representative with West Manheim’s emergency services.
The four-wheeler was a needed addition to the township’s emergency equipment, particularly because workers have had to use their own property when responding to emergencies, Hampton said.
One situation occurred as recently as January, he said.
“Some of our officers had their own personal four-wheelers,” Hampton said.
“Everyone’s creative when it comes to certain situations,” he added. “You have to be flexible.”
The vehicle was paid for through the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development’s grant program.
With Codorus State Park and several bodies of water in their response area, West Manheim rescue workers need a variety of response equipment, Hampton added.
The new vehicle will be available to the West Manheim Police Department, the West Manheim Township Emergency Management Agency and Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
Emergency workers will undergo training to use the vehicle within the next few weeks, Hampton said.