Vandergrift Borough Faces Emergency Response Gap Due to Insurance Lapse
The Borough of Vandergrift is currently facing a critical public safety crisis. Both of the town’s volunteer fire departments are unable to respond to local emergency calls due to a lapse in mandatory worker’s compensation insurance. While fire trucks remain stationed and ready at the halls, the lack of insurance coverage prevents firefighters from deploying, leaving the community dependent on neighboring jurisdictions for emergency services.
The Cause of the Service Interruption
The disruption stems from a failure to maintain worker’s compensation insurance, which is mandated by Pennsylvania state law for volunteer firefighters. This insurance is vital because of the inherent risks associated with the job; accidents can occur even during the simple act of leaving the fire hall in a truck.
Local residents and former firefighters have expressed frustration over the situation, describing it as “unbelievable and inexcusable.” The lapse effectively sidelines the local crews despite having the equipment and personnel available within the borough.
Current Emergency Response Protocols
To mitigate the risk to residents, Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Killeen stated that the fire departments have coordinated with neighboring departments to ensure uninterrupted emergency response coverage. However, this arrangement introduces potential delays in response times.
The dispatch process for these neighboring crews is complex. Calls go to the Westmoreland County 911 center, which must then contact the Armstrong County 911 center to dispatch units such as the Park Township Fire Department. Residents have noted that while the nearest neighboring department may be only five minutes away, such delays are critical when lives are at stake.
Vandergrift’s Fire Department Infrastructure
The borough typically relies on two primary volunteer organizations:
- Vandergrift VFD 1: The George G. McMurtry Fire Department, located at 1278 Franklin Ave.
- Vandergrift VFD 2: The H. Lloyd Black Building, located at 229 Emerson Street.
Key Takeaways
- Status: Both local fire departments are currently unable to respond to calls.
- Reason: A lapse in state-mandated worker’s compensation insurance.
- Interim Solution: Neighboring departments, including Park Township, are providing coverage.
- Outlook: Mayor Lenny Killeen has indicated the matter is being addressed with urgency and expects coverage to be fully restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should I call in an emergency?
Residents should continue to dial 911 for emergencies. Calls will be routed to the local public safety answering point and dispatched to available neighboring departments. Why can’t the firefighters use the trucks if they are available?
Pennsylvania state law requires worker’s compensation insurance for volunteer firefighters. Without this coverage, the borough cannot legally allow firefighters to respond to calls due to the liability and safety risks involved. When will service be restored?
According to a statement from Mayor Lenny Killeen, the borough is working to resolve the insurance issue with urgency, with expectations that coverage will be restored within the week.