Spring Mill FC Gets WaterRescue GearGrant

Spring Mill Fire Company No. 1, was recently awarded a $25,200 grant by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a 501(c)(3), nonprofit charity that provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans.

With this grant, Spring Mill is able to purchase new water rescue equipment for its public safety rescue dive unit. The awarded grant will protect the team from natural and potentially hazardous element s and allow them to streamline communications during underwater emerg encies in the Schuylkill River as well as in bodies of water in s urrounding communities.

“On behalf of the Spring Mill Fire Company and its members, I want to thank Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the work they do to support organizations like ours,” said Wayne Masters, Jr., Chief of Spring Mill. “As we’re entering our 100th year in operation, we are so grateful to be awarded the necessary resources to continue to keep the community of Whitemarsh Township safe and protected.”

In the coming months, Spring Mill will upgrade its gear with the following: New Public Safety TLS Dry Suits by Diving Unlimited International (DUI); New Guardian Full Face Masks (FFM’s) by Ocean Technology Systems (OTS) with intercoms for divers and tenders to communicate with one another.

With the company’s close proximity to the Schuylkill River, thi s upgraded gear will prove extremely valuable as the Spring Mill Public Safety Dive Unit prepares for any number of water-based rescue scenarios ranging from disasters of the scale of Hurricane Ida to recreational mishaps on the water and more.

“Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is committed to doing our part in honoring the critical service provided by first responders,” said Robin Peters, Executive Director. “We’re proud to support Spring Mill Fire Company and help ensure they are equipped with the best gear possible to safely and effectively perform their job.”

- Submitted by Robert Walls