Firefighters have brought a two-alarm blaze under control at the construction site of the new Montour High School on Clever Road in Robinson Township, Allegheny County. Video from television helicopters showed a lot of smoke billowing from the site.
There are no reports of injuries. Officials at the scene believe the fire, which broke out around 12:30 p.m., might be related to welding work that was being done on the building's roof.
The $47 million reconstruction of the high school was scheduled to be completed in time for the 2011-12 school year. At this time, it is too early to tell how the fire will affect that timetable.
During the current school year, classes for the high school students are being held at the David Williams Middle School while the renovations are being made.
Showing posts with label firefighters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label firefighters. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Environmentalists Say Radiation Tests Not Often Enough
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection wants publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities to test for radioactive materials on a twice-monthly basis. DEP will also continue testing for radioactivity in seven rivers on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
Natural gas drilling can bring naturally-occurring radium, uranium and other radioactive elements to the surface, and there’s concern the contaminants could make their way into streams, rivers, and possibly drinking water. A New York Times series on concerns over radioactivity in fracking fluid received substantial attention in February; tests DEP released in March showed normal levels in Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Acting DEP Secretary Michael Krancer spelled out the new guidelines in a letter written to Shawn Garvin of the Environmental Protection Agency, who wrote to Krancer on March 7th to request additional tests for radiation. “Rest assured that well before receiving your letter, the DEP has been focusing on issues relating to natural gas drilling, and priorities protecting the environment and public health and safety above all else,” Krancer wrote.
Two tests a month aren’t enough for Brady Russell, the Eastern Pennsylvania Director for Clean Water Action. “A wastewater treatment plant isn’t constantly treating Marcellus wastewater,” he said. “They treat it when the trucks show up. And they show up occasionally and they treat it right away and they dump it right away. But they could go – who knows, they could go two weeks without any business from the Marcellus Shale industry, and then they get six trucks worth of it.”
Russell also doesn’t like the fact DEP is asking the treatment centers to conduct the tests themselves. “It’d be easy under the letter that Krancer has written to these wastewater treatment facilities for them to do a grab sample or a short-term sample two weeks since they’ve had any Marcellus business, and right before the next set of trucks came in. Yup, everything looks fine,” he said, continuing, “[Centers] want to keep getting this business, right? So they have every incentive to intentionally test at the wrong time.”
The EPA suggested Pennsylvania reassess the treatment facilities’ permits, now that they’re processing fracking fluid. “These permits do not now include critical provisions necessary for effective processing and treatment of wastewaters from drilling operations. Again, it is welcome that you intend to reopen these permits,” wrote EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin on March 7th. Krancer said DEP won’t do that, writing back that new requirements will be added to permits “at the time of their renewal.”
Natural gas drilling can bring naturally-occurring radium, uranium and other radioactive elements to the surface, and there’s concern the contaminants could make their way into streams, rivers, and possibly drinking water. A New York Times series on concerns over radioactivity in fracking fluid received substantial attention in February; tests DEP released in March showed normal levels in Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Acting DEP Secretary Michael Krancer spelled out the new guidelines in a letter written to Shawn Garvin of the Environmental Protection Agency, who wrote to Krancer on March 7th to request additional tests for radiation. “Rest assured that well before receiving your letter, the DEP has been focusing on issues relating to natural gas drilling, and priorities protecting the environment and public health and safety above all else,” Krancer wrote.
Two tests a month aren’t enough for Brady Russell, the Eastern Pennsylvania Director for Clean Water Action. “A wastewater treatment plant isn’t constantly treating Marcellus wastewater,” he said. “They treat it when the trucks show up. And they show up occasionally and they treat it right away and they dump it right away. But they could go – who knows, they could go two weeks without any business from the Marcellus Shale industry, and then they get six trucks worth of it.”
Russell also doesn’t like the fact DEP is asking the treatment centers to conduct the tests themselves. “It’d be easy under the letter that Krancer has written to these wastewater treatment facilities for them to do a grab sample or a short-term sample two weeks since they’ve had any Marcellus business, and right before the next set of trucks came in. Yup, everything looks fine,” he said, continuing, “[Centers] want to keep getting this business, right? So they have every incentive to intentionally test at the wrong time.”
The EPA suggested Pennsylvania reassess the treatment facilities’ permits, now that they’re processing fracking fluid. “These permits do not now include critical provisions necessary for effective processing and treatment of wastewaters from drilling operations. Again, it is welcome that you intend to reopen these permits,” wrote EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin on March 7th. Krancer said DEP won’t do that, writing back that new requirements will be added to permits “at the time of their renewal.”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fire Departments' Merger Moves Forward
As expected, Pittsburgh Council acted quickly in giving preliminary approval to an agreement between the city and its neighbor to the east, Wilkinsburg Borough, to merge their respective fire departments. The arrangement was officially announced Monday by Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Wilkinsburg officials but the deal had been in the works for more than a year.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Before giving tentative approval to the agreement, Council questioned Public Safety Director Michael Huss who said that Pittsburgh will hire the 25 Wilkinsburg firefighters if they wish to join the city's department. Huss said the city would keep open 1 of the 2 Wilkinsburg fire stations and that would lessen response time to calls from the Homewood and Swisshelm Park neighborhoods of the city.
The agreement, under which Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh about $7.5 million through December 2015, has already been approved by Wilkinsburg Council and the city's Act 47 state oversight groups.
Huss did confirm to Pittsburgh Council that Wilkinsburg has approached city officials about a possible merger of police departments.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Pittsburgh To Take Over Wilkinsburg Fire Duties
The city of Pittsburgh and the borough of Wilkinsburg have reached a deal to dissolve the Wilkinsburg fire department and for the city to begin providing fire service to borough residents. The 20-year deal comes with a renewal every 5 years. Wilkinsburg Mayor John Thompson says the deal will save the borough more than $600,000 a year and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl says it will not increase the city’s budget. Wilkinsburg will pay Pittsburgh just more than $7.5 million over the next 5 years to cover the additional costs. The borough will also be making a one-time payment into the city’s pension fund.
Wilkinsburg Firefighters Union President Brian Travato says he was facing two options. “We could continue to fight to maintain an already unsafe level of staffing that we have had here in Wilkinsburg, or we could seize the opportunity to be part of something special,” says Travato. Travato says he was looking out for his members during the negotiations but he always kept the safety of the residents as a top priority. “We are pleased to say you are going to be in very good hands with the fire protection that is going to be provided by the city of Pittsburgh.”
One Wilkinsburg fire station will be closed but Wilkinsburg and Pittsburgh officials say response time will be reduced for residents on both sides of the border. They also were quick to point out that under the new system, more fire fighters will respond to each fire in Wilkinsburg.
Union and elected leader says this is the first merger of its kind in the state and they expect it to be held up as a model for others considering consolidation. Pittsburgh Fire Fighter Union President Joe King says he has been asked by the national union to present information about how the deal was done.
All of the Wilkinsburg fire fighters who wanted to become Pittsburgh firefighters were taken on at the pay rate equal to a second year firefighter. For some that will mean a cut in pay but others will see an increase. Wilkinsburg firefighters will be given just more than a year service time in the Pittsburgh system for every year served in Wilkinsburg. Firefighters will have one year to move into the city.
The deal must still be approved by the Pittsburgh City Council.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Legislation to Nullify Sprinkler Mandate
Less than 6 weeks after a state mandated residential sprinkler requirement took effect, some Pennsylvania lawmakers along with builders and realtors are trying to get it repealed.
The mandate that all new housing in Pennsylvania, effective January 1, must have sprinklers was not included in legislation, but is part of the Uniform Construction Code which has an automatic adoption process built into it. Fred Cabell of the Pennsylvania Builders Association says any provision proposed by the International Code Council (ICC) is adopted in Pennsylvania automatically.
The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute (PFESI) sent a letter to Pennsylvania General Assembly urging lawmakers not to repeal the sprinkler requirement because the sprinklers save lives and prevent serious injuries.
However, Cabell says the mandate does not address threat of fires in older, existing housing stock.
The PFESI letter to lawmakers says new homes need the sprinklers because they burn and collapse faster than older homes.
Cabell admits that new lightweight flooring systems do burn at a faster rate than conventional framing lumber..."As a result, the ICC has proposed, and this would not take effect until 2013 in Pennsylvania, that there be additional fire floor protection. We've encouraged representatives and senators to have in their legislation language that would provide that protection effective immediately."
The firefighters and builders also dispute the cost of installing sprinkler systems. The Institute says a recent study shows the cost at $1.61 per square foot and systems are being installed in Pennsylvania at a lower rate. But Cabell says even at that rate, the cost for 2,000 square feet of living space plus the basement would be $6,440. Cabell says a 2006 survey of Pennsylvanians showed that 89% said that smoke alarms do an adequate job of protecting them in their homes.
State Representative Garth Everett of Lycoming County and Senator Jake Corman of Center County have proposed legislation to repeal the sprinkler mandate.
The mandate that all new housing in Pennsylvania, effective January 1, must have sprinklers was not included in legislation, but is part of the Uniform Construction Code which has an automatic adoption process built into it. Fred Cabell of the Pennsylvania Builders Association says any provision proposed by the International Code Council (ICC) is adopted in Pennsylvania automatically.
The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute (PFESI) sent a letter to Pennsylvania General Assembly urging lawmakers not to repeal the sprinkler requirement because the sprinklers save lives and prevent serious injuries.
However, Cabell says the mandate does not address threat of fires in older, existing housing stock.
The PFESI letter to lawmakers says new homes need the sprinklers because they burn and collapse faster than older homes.
Cabell admits that new lightweight flooring systems do burn at a faster rate than conventional framing lumber..."As a result, the ICC has proposed, and this would not take effect until 2013 in Pennsylvania, that there be additional fire floor protection. We've encouraged representatives and senators to have in their legislation language that would provide that protection effective immediately."
The firefighters and builders also dispute the cost of installing sprinkler systems. The Institute says a recent study shows the cost at $1.61 per square foot and systems are being installed in Pennsylvania at a lower rate. But Cabell says even at that rate, the cost for 2,000 square feet of living space plus the basement would be $6,440. Cabell says a 2006 survey of Pennsylvanians showed that 89% said that smoke alarms do an adequate job of protecting them in their homes.
State Representative Garth Everett of Lycoming County and Senator Jake Corman of Center County have proposed legislation to repeal the sprinkler mandate.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
"Castle Doctrine" Bill Vetoed
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is defending his veto of a bill expanding the right to self-defense with deadly force.
Rendell says he supports language in the measure closing loopholes in Megan's Law statutes, but in the end, he was worried the legislation would make streets more dangerous.
Political observers expect the "Castle Doctrine" measure to become law next year, when Republicans control the House, Senate and governor's office, but Rendell says he isn't sure what will happen.
"I just don't know. We'll see. And look - I can only do what I believe is right. I can't take care of the future. I'm not going to be a factor in it. I did what I believe was right."
Rendell concedes his gun control efforts were an "abject failure," pointing out lawmakers never voted for a measure he promoted requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen weapons to the police. However, many municipalities in the state, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, have approved ordinances requiring the reporting of lost or stolen guns.
The governor also vetoed a bill expanding fire fighters worker's compensation claims for cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens on the job.
He says the language put an unfair burden of proof on municipalities by assuming cancer was caused by firefighting, unless lawyers could prove otherwise.......
"For things like, as I said in my veto message, prostate cancer or brain cancer, there is no evidence whatsoever - scientific evidence - that anything you do, any of your activities, can promote those. And those are perhaps exclusively genetic. But there's no scientific link. It would have been absolutely impossible to prove
He says the bill would lead to skyrocketing insurance costs, and would force local governments to cut services or raise taxes. Union leaders oppose the veto, but Rendell argues he pushed for a compromise bill expanding firefighters' ability to file for claims, but on a more limited scale that offered more legal protection for municipalities.
The bill passed the House on a unanimous vote, and just four Senators voted against it.
Rendell says he supports language in the measure closing loopholes in Megan's Law statutes, but in the end, he was worried the legislation would make streets more dangerous.
Political observers expect the "Castle Doctrine" measure to become law next year, when Republicans control the House, Senate and governor's office, but Rendell says he isn't sure what will happen.
"I just don't know. We'll see. And look - I can only do what I believe is right. I can't take care of the future. I'm not going to be a factor in it. I did what I believe was right."
Rendell concedes his gun control efforts were an "abject failure," pointing out lawmakers never voted for a measure he promoted requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen weapons to the police. However, many municipalities in the state, including Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, have approved ordinances requiring the reporting of lost or stolen guns.
The governor also vetoed a bill expanding fire fighters worker's compensation claims for cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens on the job.
He says the language put an unfair burden of proof on municipalities by assuming cancer was caused by firefighting, unless lawyers could prove otherwise.......
"For things like, as I said in my veto message, prostate cancer or brain cancer, there is no evidence whatsoever - scientific evidence - that anything you do, any of your activities, can promote those. And those are perhaps exclusively genetic. But there's no scientific link. It would have been absolutely impossible to prove
He says the bill would lead to skyrocketing insurance costs, and would force local governments to cut services or raise taxes. Union leaders oppose the veto, but Rendell argues he pushed for a compromise bill expanding firefighters' ability to file for claims, but on a more limited scale that offered more legal protection for municipalities.
The bill passed the House on a unanimous vote, and just four Senators voted against it.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Financial Aid for Firefighters With Cancer
Lawmakers, fire officials and the union leaders rallied in Harrisburg Monday to urge Governor Ed Rendell to sign legislation that would make it easier for firefighters to qualify for workers' compensation if they develop cancer during their time on the job. The Senate okayed the measure on a 45-4 vote and the House passed it unanimously on their last voting day of this legislative session.
The measure would extend workers' compensation to firefighters who are stricken with cancer as a result of being exposed to carcinogens in the line of duty. State Representative Robert Matzie, who represents parts of Allegheny and Beaver Counties, says the bill just makes sense....
"Because when they're busing down a door, they don't know what's going to be on the other side relative to the fire....what's in the walls, what's in the ceiling."
32 other states already have a similar law on the books.
The bill's co-sponsor Representative Dom Costa of Pittsburgh says firefighters, both paid and volunteer, put their lives on the line for our safety. "It is important that we as a state do all that we can to help them when they suffer as a result of doing their duty."
The governor has until November 27 to sign the bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature.
Under the legislation:
**Only firefighters with four or more years of continuous service would be eligible to apply for workers' compensation;
**Only cancers caused by direct exposure to known carcinogens would be considered for workers' compensation
**To qualify, firefighters would have to successfully pass a physical exam, which did not reveal any evidence of cancer, either before making an occupational disease claim or before beginning work as a firefighter.
**The presumption of cancer as an occupational disease may be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence showing a firefighter was directly exposed to a known carcinogen outside of firefighting, including tobacco use.
**Coverage for volunteers would be limited only to those volunteer companies that participate in the state's Fire Information Reporting System.
**Claims must be made within 11.5 years after the last date of employment as a firefighter.
The measure would extend workers' compensation to firefighters who are stricken with cancer as a result of being exposed to carcinogens in the line of duty. State Representative Robert Matzie, who represents parts of Allegheny and Beaver Counties, says the bill just makes sense....
"Because when they're busing down a door, they don't know what's going to be on the other side relative to the fire....what's in the walls, what's in the ceiling."
32 other states already have a similar law on the books.
The bill's co-sponsor Representative Dom Costa of Pittsburgh says firefighters, both paid and volunteer, put their lives on the line for our safety. "It is important that we as a state do all that we can to help them when they suffer as a result of doing their duty."
The governor has until November 27 to sign the bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature.
Under the legislation:
**Only firefighters with four or more years of continuous service would be eligible to apply for workers' compensation;
**Only cancers caused by direct exposure to known carcinogens would be considered for workers' compensation
**To qualify, firefighters would have to successfully pass a physical exam, which did not reveal any evidence of cancer, either before making an occupational disease claim or before beginning work as a firefighter.
**The presumption of cancer as an occupational disease may be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence showing a firefighter was directly exposed to a known carcinogen outside of firefighting, including tobacco use.
**Coverage for volunteers would be limited only to those volunteer companies that participate in the state's Fire Information Reporting System.
**Claims must be made within 11.5 years after the last date of employment as a firefighter.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Council Rejects Parking Lease, Angers Firefighters
On a 7 to one vote with one abstention today, Pittsburgh City Council officially rejected Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's proposal to lease parking authority assets to a private company in an effort to shore up the underfunded pension fund. The 50-year lease would have resulted in more than $450 million dollars for the city. $220 million of it would have been used to raise the pension program above the 50% funded level to avoid a state takeover. After the vote the firefighters who had packed the council chambers gathered in the hall to listen to their president Joe King. King rallied his members by painting a picture of a city budget that he says will be 25-32 million dollars in the red. “All of this debt is going to fall on the
Home owners and the employees and the businesses of this city, “ says King, “ and I’ll tell you who should be held accountable, those nine people in there.” King says the firefighters will remember the vote when they go to the poles next year. He then called on council to reduce the city’s budget by reducing the size of city council. King warned his members that he believes the city will begin to “brown out” the department. He says the city cannot layoff firefighters so it will selectively, temporarily close firehouses to save on overtime. King says, “this is not about safety, this is about money.”
Council still has several options before it. A plan created by city controller Michael Lamb and sponsored by Council members Darlene Harris, Natalia Rudiak and Patrick Dowd calls for the city to sell the parking garage lots and meters it owns to the Parking Authority for $220 million dollars. That money would then be used to shore up the pension fund. The Authority would have to issue a bond to cover the cost. The proposal also gives the authority the ability to set rates without council approval. Dowd admits that it will lead to hire parking rates but he says the increase will be much less than if the assets were leased to a private company. “Given the choice between handing over the assets to a private company or a public authority, I’ll take the authority every time,” says Dowd.
Councilman Doug Shields says he will listen to the details of the controller’s pan at a meeting and debate it in council tomorrow but for now he still likes the idea of a state take over of the pension plan. He notes it is the only option that puts the pension plan on a 30-year path to being fully funded.
Voting for the lease deal was Ricky Burgess. Theresa Kail-Smith abstained.
LAZ Parking issued a written statement following council’s no vote expressing its disappointment. It reads in part, “Our expertise in operating, investing in and managing parking systems around the country would have provided great benefits to the City, its residents, visitors and downtown commuters…. Over the past several weeks we have had the opportunity to speak with members of Council and made several suggested amendments to be sensitive to the matters raised by Council Members.” The company says it will have other opportunities in other cities looking to better manage their parking assets and tackle fiscal challenges. The statement ends, “Our hope is that the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities and government agencies around the country learn how important it is in a process like this one to have alignment between City Council Members, the Office of the Mayor and other important stakeholders.”
Home owners and the employees and the businesses of this city, “ says King, “ and I’ll tell you who should be held accountable, those nine people in there.” King says the firefighters will remember the vote when they go to the poles next year. He then called on council to reduce the city’s budget by reducing the size of city council. King warned his members that he believes the city will begin to “brown out” the department. He says the city cannot layoff firefighters so it will selectively, temporarily close firehouses to save on overtime. King says, “this is not about safety, this is about money.”
Council still has several options before it. A plan created by city controller Michael Lamb and sponsored by Council members Darlene Harris, Natalia Rudiak and Patrick Dowd calls for the city to sell the parking garage lots and meters it owns to the Parking Authority for $220 million dollars. That money would then be used to shore up the pension fund. The Authority would have to issue a bond to cover the cost. The proposal also gives the authority the ability to set rates without council approval. Dowd admits that it will lead to hire parking rates but he says the increase will be much less than if the assets were leased to a private company. “Given the choice between handing over the assets to a private company or a public authority, I’ll take the authority every time,” says Dowd.
Councilman Doug Shields says he will listen to the details of the controller’s pan at a meeting and debate it in council tomorrow but for now he still likes the idea of a state take over of the pension plan. He notes it is the only option that puts the pension plan on a 30-year path to being fully funded.
Voting for the lease deal was Ricky Burgess. Theresa Kail-Smith abstained.
LAZ Parking issued a written statement following council’s no vote expressing its disappointment. It reads in part, “Our expertise in operating, investing in and managing parking systems around the country would have provided great benefits to the City, its residents, visitors and downtown commuters…. Over the past several weeks we have had the opportunity to speak with members of Council and made several suggested amendments to be sensitive to the matters raised by Council Members.” The company says it will have other opportunities in other cities looking to better manage their parking assets and tackle fiscal challenges. The statement ends, “Our hope is that the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities and government agencies around the country learn how important it is in a process like this one to have alignment between City Council Members, the Office of the Mayor and other important stakeholders.”
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Texas Crew Helps Put Out Gas Well Fire
About 10 and a half hours after an explosion at a natural gas well in Indiana Township, Allegheny County, firefighters extinguished the intense blaze. A team of oil and gas well firefighting experts were flown in from Texas to help put out the fire which was being fueled by natural gas. The explosion killed two workers but a third member of the crew was not injured.
Allegheny County Emergency Management Chief Bob Full says firefighters first tried using foam on the fire but then brought in water tanker trucks.
3 firefighters were taken to the hospital for treatment of heat-related problems due to temperatures in the low 90's compounded by the intensity of the fire.
A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says the workers had been welding equipment at the site of the gas well.
DEP spokeswoman Helen Humphreys told DUQ News that the gas well was 2 years old, a shallow well of about 3,500 feet in depth and was operated by Huntley and Huntley of Monroeville. The well is on property owned by the Rosedale Sportsmen's Association. That company operates about 350 gas wells in the Pittsburgh area. Humphreys says fortunately this well was located in a rural area with few nearby residents.
County officials continue to investigate the explosion and fire.
Allegheny County Emergency Management Chief Bob Full says firefighters first tried using foam on the fire but then brought in water tanker trucks.
3 firefighters were taken to the hospital for treatment of heat-related problems due to temperatures in the low 90's compounded by the intensity of the fire.
A spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says the workers had been welding equipment at the site of the gas well.
DEP spokeswoman Helen Humphreys told DUQ News that the gas well was 2 years old, a shallow well of about 3,500 feet in depth and was operated by Huntley and Huntley of Monroeville. The well is on property owned by the Rosedale Sportsmen's Association. That company operates about 350 gas wells in the Pittsburgh area. Humphreys says fortunately this well was located in a rural area with few nearby residents.
County officials continue to investigate the explosion and fire.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Deadline Near for CCAC Scholarships for Firefighters
Allegheny County and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) partnered up in the spring of this year to develop the FireVEST program. The program provides full scholarships to residents of Allegheny County in exchange for an agreement to be a volunteer firefighter for the next five years.
Executive Director of the CCAC Allegheny County Works Alliance, Dr. Charles Blocksidge says the county recognized the need to encourage volunteer firefighters, which led to the creation of FireVEST in January 2009. Since then, 43 people have been awarded scholarships.
The deadline to apply for the scholarship for the spring 2010 term is November 15.
Blocksidge says this is an opportunity not only to help the volunteer fire companies to maintain the quality community service they provide, but it is also a huge educational opportunity that people should take advantage of.
Applications can be downloaded from the CCAC web site or obtained from the Allegheny County Fire Academy at 412-931-3158, ext. 5.
Executive Director of the CCAC Allegheny County Works Alliance, Dr. Charles Blocksidge says the county recognized the need to encourage volunteer firefighters, which led to the creation of FireVEST in January 2009. Since then, 43 people have been awarded scholarships.
The deadline to apply for the scholarship for the spring 2010 term is November 15.
Blocksidge says this is an opportunity not only to help the volunteer fire companies to maintain the quality community service they provide, but it is also a huge educational opportunity that people should take advantage of.
Applications can be downloaded from the CCAC web site or obtained from the Allegheny County Fire Academy at 412-931-3158, ext. 5.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Random Drug Tests for Pittsburgh Firefighters
For the first time ever, Pittsburgh firefighters have agreed to random drug testing as part of a new five year contract with the city. Union President Joe King says that anything that is "sensitive" and deemed to be "intrusive" can be difficult but agreeing to the random tests is prudent.
"The citizens of Pittsburgh entrust their lives and hold us to a much higher standard which we should be held. We're doing the right thing for purposes of safety."
King said in approving the contract, the members did not object to the random tests even though all of the specifics have yet to be determined.
Under the new policy, firefighters who fail a drug test will be placed on a "last chance agreement" under which they can be fired for failing a second drug test. The decision on dismissal will be handled by neutral arbiters instead of a trial board of 3 other firefighters. But King says the firefighters might be tougher on their own compared to a neutral party...."they'll (firefighters) think 'if you don't get your act together, you won't have a career,' they'll (firefighters) fire you in a minute."
However, Public Safety Director Michael Huss pushed for the random test policy after the city tried to dismiss firefighter John Connors after he pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge. But a trial board reinstated him after deciding the city improperly required a drug test for Connors.
Under the new policy, the trial boards will still be used to review possible dismissals for other offenses.
"The citizens of Pittsburgh entrust their lives and hold us to a much higher standard which we should be held. We're doing the right thing for purposes of safety."
King said in approving the contract, the members did not object to the random tests even though all of the specifics have yet to be determined.
Under the new policy, firefighters who fail a drug test will be placed on a "last chance agreement" under which they can be fired for failing a second drug test. The decision on dismissal will be handled by neutral arbiters instead of a trial board of 3 other firefighters. But King says the firefighters might be tougher on their own compared to a neutral party...."they'll (firefighters) think 'if you don't get your act together, you won't have a career,' they'll (firefighters) fire you in a minute."
However, Public Safety Director Michael Huss pushed for the random test policy after the city tried to dismiss firefighter John Connors after he pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge. But a trial board reinstated him after deciding the city improperly required a drug test for Connors.
Under the new policy, the trial boards will still be used to review possible dismissals for other offenses.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Solar Hot Water Panels Installed on Firehouse Roof
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl watched workers install solar hot water panels atop City Firehouse Truck 34 in the North Side.
They installed four 4x10 solar hot water panels on the roof.
The panels will harness the sun's energy to produce hot water for the kitchen, bathroom and showers, eliminating the need for natural gas.
The city spends about $5,500 a year on natural gas for that facility. The solar panels will save the city 15 to 20 percent of its costs.
Ravenstahl said one of their difficulties in "greening" our city and installing solar panels is the misconception that solar energy would not work in Pittsburgh because of its many gray and gloomy days.
There will be five additional solar installations in 2010.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Killed in Duty Death Benefits
A state senator is pushing a bill that would provide uniform benefits throughout the Commonwealth to public safety workers killed in the line of duty. Senator Sean Logan, a Democrat representing Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, says the current system has inequalities because each municipality has its own death benefit plan. Some municipalities don't provide anything.
"If you get killed in Pittsburgh, or if you get killed in Scranton or Erie or in Monroeville, the benefit to your spouse or children should be the same," he says.
Senate Bill 369 applies to paid firefighters, law enforcement officers and ambulance service or rescue squad members. If killed in the line of duty, this bill would give the amount of the worker's monthly salary to the recipient. Money that isn't covered by workers compensation the state would absorb.
Although Logan says he would like to, benefits cannot be provided retroactively because it is considered unconstitutional. Therefore, families of the three Pittsburgh Police officers killed in Stanton Heights in April would not have these benefits, if this bill passes in the State House.
The bill passed in the State Senate last year, but died in State House at the end of the session. It recently passed unanimously in Senate, and is going to House to be voted on.
"If you get killed in Pittsburgh, or if you get killed in Scranton or Erie or in Monroeville, the benefit to your spouse or children should be the same," he says.
Senate Bill 369 applies to paid firefighters, law enforcement officers and ambulance service or rescue squad members. If killed in the line of duty, this bill would give the amount of the worker's monthly salary to the recipient. Money that isn't covered by workers compensation the state would absorb.
Although Logan says he would like to, benefits cannot be provided retroactively because it is considered unconstitutional. Therefore, families of the three Pittsburgh Police officers killed in Stanton Heights in April would not have these benefits, if this bill passes in the State House.
The bill passed in the State Senate last year, but died in State House at the end of the session. It recently passed unanimously in Senate, and is going to House to be voted on.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ross Twp. Fire Raises Suspicions
At around 5 a.m., a Ross Township blaze tore through a home leaving one man dead. Officials found the man unresponsive in the basement after the fire had settled at around 6:30 a.m. and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not identified the man, but could not account for the owner of the house. The Allegheny county Fire Marshal says the fire is suspicious, but will not explain why.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Firefighter Perks considered
Volunteer firefighters in Allegheny County may receive special benefits in the future that is worthy of risking their lives.
Councilman Nick Futules is to introduce a proposal to give free passes to county-owned swimming pools, ice skating, skiing, as well as other events at a county council meeting tonight.
"It's a thank you to the people that do put their lives on the line," Futules said. He added that it also provides an incentive for more firefighters to join the voluntary force.
However, there is some controversy about where the costs to pay for the free services will come from.
Futules explained it could cost anywhere between $500 thousand to $1 million per fire company, if the county paid for the firefighters' services. While more research needs to be done to confirm how much the perks will cost the county, he believes it will be significantly less than if the county were to begin paying them.
If the proposal passes, Futules said they can start providing the firefighters with the perks as early as next year.
Councilman Nick Futules is to introduce a proposal to give free passes to county-owned swimming pools, ice skating, skiing, as well as other events at a county council meeting tonight.
"It's a thank you to the people that do put their lives on the line," Futules said. He added that it also provides an incentive for more firefighters to join the voluntary force.
However, there is some controversy about where the costs to pay for the free services will come from.
Futules explained it could cost anywhere between $500 thousand to $1 million per fire company, if the county paid for the firefighters' services. While more research needs to be done to confirm how much the perks will cost the county, he believes it will be significantly less than if the county were to begin paying them.
If the proposal passes, Futules said they can start providing the firefighters with the perks as early as next year.
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