By Joshua Byers
The Tribune-Democrat
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Cambria County Swift Water Rescue Team has received a grant of more than $6,000 from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to purchase two new rapid deployment crafts.
“These boats are specifically designed for ice rescue applications or water that is too shallow and too swift,” team leader and instructor Rickey Price Jr . said.
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Crews on shore secure the crafts with a rope and send team members out for the rescue.
Prior to securing the $6,300 CFA grant to purchase the new equipment, the group used its inflatable boat, which Price said is not designed for ice and shallow water operations.
Because of that, the craft has experienced some wear and tear throughout the years.
Price said the rapid deployment crafts will speed up response times – two members can deploy them instead of four – and it’s safer for the rescuers.
One of the rapid deployment crafts will be stored in the northern part of Cambria County, with the other in the southern portion to ensure easy access.
The East Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Department, a rescue team member, wrote the grant for the new equipment and the Cambria County commissioners supplied a letter of support, which Price said he was thankful for.
The swift water team responds to around a dozen calls per year and has 35 technicians among its ranks.
Cambria County’s team is one of four in the state with the highest water rescue certification.
Price said the new crafts came just in time as the temperature begins to dip and the numerous waterways throughout the area begin to freeze.
The rescuers will be putting the equipment to good use soon with training, he said.
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