Blawnox water rescue boat ramps up safety from Harrison to Pittsburgh

Catastrophe was averted during a Labor Day boat fire in Harmar, at least in part, because of a new water rescue boat at Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company.

Marine 111, a 26-foot Stanley fire rescue landing craft, played a critical role after flames engulfed a boat below Lock 3 and forced people to jump to safety into the Allegheny River, according to Fire Company President Mike Yonas.

“We were able to provide service within minutes because the engines got us up the water quickly,” Yonas said. “We were able to put a ton of water on the fire and provide a well-equipped base command for other departments.”

Marine 111 features twin Yamaha 150 HP motors, emergency lighting, a 500-gallon per minute fire pump, side scan sonar and a thermal marine camera. The vessel is certified as a Quick Response Service vehicle that can provide medical care on the water or on the river’s islands.

It is expected to impact safety beyond Blawnox – responding to emergencies on the entire river stretch from Harrison to Pittsburgh, Fire Chief Jeff Stephens said.

The boat is the only one in the Allegheny pool, aside from the City of Pittsburgh, with a built-in pump. The feature cuts wasted time for firefighting, Stephens said.

“We don’t have to spend time setting up a pump in the water,” he said. “We just get there and get to it. It’s much faster.”

Cost was about $200,000, three-quarters of which was paid with a grant through state Sen. Lindsey Williams’ office.

Williams said boating, kayaking, hiking and biking along the riverfront are all great economic drivers for the region.

“But for us to enjoy our recreation, we need a swiftwater rescue team and fire rescue boat that is ready to respond to emergencies,” Williams said. “The cost of that readiness is enormous, which is why I was eager to help Blawnox secure grant funding to defray their costs.”

As a nod to the help, the boat is dubbed “FRB Williams.”

The remaining balance of $48,000 was brought in through department fundraising that included a golf outing, sure tips and a cash bash.

The Blawnox Swiftwater Rescue Team is recognized by the state Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner as a Level 2a – the first team in the state to receive the certification.

Blawnox also serves on the greater Allegheny County Swiftwater/Flood Response Team, which is certified Level 1a. It is the only team in the state with the designation.

The new vessel replaces a 21-foot flat-bottom boat that was “way overdue,” Stephens said.

Specialty features, like the winch-controlled drop-down ramp, will improve accessibility on scenes, he said. It makes it easier to walk onto land or to another boat, Yonas said.

The department has responded to about 15 water calls this year, including fires, rescues and tows.

Earlier this month, Williams joined Stephens, Assistant Chief Jim Vento, Captain Tommy Witas and other members of the department for her first tour aboard the boat.

“The unveiling of the name is one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever had,” Williams said. “Knowing that I get to play a part in keeping the residents of the Allegheny Valley safe is such an honor.”

Yonas said the department is eager to grow a water rescue partnership with other regional departments. He encouraged people interested in volunteering to reach out by emailing myonas@blawnoxvfc.com.