The team gathers after a trench rescue training

The official collapse team of the Millersville Fire Company was formed as a result of the Board of Directors realizing that there was a void in this type of service in Lancaster County and after the fire company had a trench rescue and two tornadoes in the first run area. The fire company owned just enough equipment to be dangerous at that time. The Board of Directors instructed the Chief of the company to bring the members up to training standards or get out of the business and give whatever small amount of equipment away.

The Fire Chief instructed the Deputy Chief Eshleman (now chief) to pursue the issue because he thought it was an important issue. The Deputy Chief had come up with a plan to bring the members up to training standards at that time, which was endorsed by the board. This plan involved another fire company, which was to join hands and provide a joint training back in the mid-nineties in trench rescue. As it turned out the other company backed out of the project, but the Millersville group went forward hiring a group of trainers from ARK RESCUE. These trainers are or have been members of the Fairfax Fire and Rescue's International Rescue Team. This group bought much expertise to the table. Thus the official collapse team was formed with a four-day class in trench rescue.

Over years there was much new equipment (i.e., search cameras, jack hammer, core drill, misc. hand tools, etc.) added, along with a trailer loaded with lumber. The group could not survive without the help of corporate donations or government funds.

After two years from the start of the team, the fire company also added light frame collapse training and rope classes to the original program and continues to practice these areas.

The group today is made up of twenty-four members from the fire company and most of the members are certified at the "technician level". To date the team has responded to numerous calls throughout Lancaster County, in our first due, and into the state of Maryland.

© Copyright 2009 by MillersvilleFire.com

Top of Page