Etna officials led a volunteer effort Jan. 31 to help residents in need dig out from a record-setting snowfall.
Pittsburgh set a new record Jan. 25, when the National Weather Service measured a one-day snowfall of 11.2 inches at its office in Moon, shattering the previous record of 5.2 inches in 2014.
It was the most snow the area had seen in one day since “Snowmageddon” in 2010, when 21.1 inches fell betweenFeb. 5-6.
With the Etna community still recovering nearly a week later, Mayor Robert Tuñón and members of borough council called on volunteers to help residents dig out their sidewalks, driveways and vehicles.
Sixteen volunteers stepped up to help.
Council President Alice Gabriel and Councilwomen Jessica Semler and Abby Seeley worked alongside and on behalf of residents, Tuñón said.
Borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage opened the borough building and provided coffee and doughnuts for volunteers.
“While Saturday’s volunteer effort was helpful and meaningful, and several residents who requested assistance received the support they needed, the real heroic work this week came from our public works, police and administrative team, alongside our fire and EMS partners, as well as the independent contractors who supported us throughout the week,” Tuñón said. “Since last Sunday, these teams have worked tirelessly and around the clock to keep our community safe and functioning.”
Tuñón noted that crews had been working for eight days straight without a day off, in difficult conditions and freezing temperatures.
“I couldn’t be prouder and more appreciative of our crew, officers, staff, hired contractors, volunteers and residents for how they came together in this historic storm,” he said.
