The Forbes Road Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Township Fire Company #2 was established in 1959. The department is located in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh off of Route 819. Forbes Road is one two fire departments within Salem Township with the other being the Slickville Volunteer Fire Department, Salem Township Fire Company #1. Between the two departments we serve an area of about 60 square miles.
Our township is located between six other townships, two boroughs and one small city; all to whom we provide to and receive mutual aid from. We provide fire and rescue services to five public schools, five homes for the elderly, one school for mentally-challenged children and one halfway house for mentally-challenged adults. We also have two very large interstate natural gas transmission and storage facilities. There is also a large gasoline tank farm located in the center of our fire district.
We are equipped with two engines, a rescue truck, and a utility truck. Engine 90-1 responds to fires and fire alarms within Salem Township. Engine 90-2 provides mutual aid to the surrounding townships, responds to brush fires and motor vehicle accidents. Rescue 90 responds to all motor vehicle accidents, certain EMS related calls, and other specialized rescue calls. Utility 90 responds to all EMS related calls and other public service assistance incidents. Rescue 90 and Utiltiy 90 are Quick Response Service (QRS) certified through the PA Department of Health, with several trained EMS personnel.
Forbes Road is funded by a 1 mil fire tax, an annual fund drive, fundraisers, and various donations. Thanks to all Salem Township residents and others who have supported our fire department for over 50 years.
The department has fortunately received several Assistance to Firefighter Grants in order to purchase equipment. Such equipment includes: turnout gear, radios, Scott Air Packs, cascade system, gear washer and dryer, new Hurst Rescue System, rope equipment, station exhaust removal system, etc. We have also received several grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to assist with building upgrades, purchasing helmets and other equipment, and to help with the purchase of apparatus. Special thanks to these agencies for this funding so we can concentrate on our mission instead of constantly fundraising.
Our department is constantly trying to improve. We believe that training is a MUST and should be top priority. With assistance of grants, fire tax, and donations it allows us to concentrate on this drilling and training to help us better serve the community.
Forbes Road Fire Department is made up of several dedicated firefighters. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Several dinners have been left cold, family events have been missed, and many hours of sleep have been lost to help serve others. For many members, the fire service is equivalent to an additional full-time job.
Our township is located between six other townships, two boroughs and one small city; all to whom we provide to and receive mutual aid from. We provide fire and rescue services to five public schools, five homes for the elderly, one school for mentally-challenged children and one halfway house for mentally-challenged adults. We also have two very large interstate natural gas transmission and storage facilities. There is also a large gasoline tank farm located in the center of our fire district.
We are equipped with two engines, a rescue truck, and a utility truck. Engine 90-1 responds to fires and fire alarms within Salem Township. Engine 90-2 provides mutual aid to the surrounding townships, responds to brush fires and motor vehicle accidents. Rescue 90 responds to all motor vehicle accidents, certain EMS related calls, and other specialized rescue calls. Utility 90 responds to all EMS related calls and other public service assistance incidents. Rescue 90 and Utiltiy 90 are Quick Response Service (QRS) certified through the PA Department of Health, with several trained EMS personnel.
Forbes Road is funded by a 1 mil fire tax, an annual fund drive, fundraisers, and various donations. Thanks to all Salem Township residents and others who have supported our fire department for over 50 years.
The department has fortunately received several Assistance to Firefighter Grants in order to purchase equipment. Such equipment includes: turnout gear, radios, Scott Air Packs, cascade system, gear washer and dryer, new Hurst Rescue System, rope equipment, station exhaust removal system, etc. We have also received several grants from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner to assist with building upgrades, purchasing helmets and other equipment, and to help with the purchase of apparatus. Special thanks to these agencies for this funding so we can concentrate on our mission instead of constantly fundraising.
Our department is constantly trying to improve. We believe that training is a MUST and should be top priority. With assistance of grants, fire tax, and donations it allows us to concentrate on this drilling and training to help us better serve the community.
Forbes Road Fire Department is made up of several dedicated firefighters. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Several dinners have been left cold, family events have been missed, and many hours of sleep have been lost to help serve others. For many members, the fire service is equivalent to an additional full-time job.
Quick Facts
* The average cost of a basic fire engine is about $325,000.
* A set of turnout gear costs between $2000 and $2500 each.
* A new NFPA approved air pack costs about $8000 each.
* A firefighter's gear adds an additional 60 to 70 pounds of weight.
* A set of turnout gear costs between $2000 and $2500 each.
* A new NFPA approved air pack costs about $8000 each.
* A firefighter's gear adds an additional 60 to 70 pounds of weight.