West Tarentum's Summit Hose earns nod from state for commitment to fire training

Summit Hose Company in West Tarentum was named by the state to an elite list for its commitment to training.

The Participating Department Recognition Program lauds departments for ongoing education.

Of the 2,400 fire departments in the state, about 200 — or 8% — are recognized.

There are four state certification levels which are based on a department’s percentage of members trained to National Professional Qualification Standards. The levels are 10%, 50%, 75% and 100%.

Summit Hose is at the 50% level, meaning half of its 18 members are trained to those standards.

“I’m extremely happy and grateful,” Chief Josh Fox said.

“Through countless hours of classroom and physical training, dedicated studying and unwavering commitment, our members have successfully achieved the bronze status.”

His crew has taken extra courses in self-contained breathing apparatus operations, primary searches, hose line advancements, pumping and water supply operations, ladders and rescues, and salvage operations.

“With this, (the department has) demonstrated that the organization is competent and capable in providing quality services to residents and visitors,” state Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook wrote in a letter to Summit Hose. “You should be proud.”

According to the state fire commissioner’s website, there are 10 departments in Allegheny County that earned the 50% designation, including Aspinwall (now SAVES), Millvale and West Deer No. 2.

Anthony Creaturo, chief of West Deer No. 2, credited his son, Anthony Creaturo Jr., for scheduling classes and encouraging continued education for the department’s 27 active members.

Creaturo Jr. serves as the department’s rescue captain and keeps on top of the volunteers to ensure they’re up on certifications and training.

“You push the younger generation before they’re setting off on their life’s path,” Creaturo said. “We push for as much training as we can so when emergencies happen, it’s muscle memory.

“It’s a big achievement for a department. It takes your members giving a lot of their spare time.”

Recognition is good for three years and noted by decals on fire apparatus, with different color borders indicating each achievement.

Summit will get a decal with a bronze border for 50% – but Fox is hoping to upgrade to a silver border by the end of the year.

“Our goal is to reach 75%,” he said. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.”

In the Alle-Kiski Valley, four departments have earned the 75% recognition: Citizens Fire-Rescue-EMS in Harrison, Hilltop Hose in Harrison, Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department and West Deer No. 3. There are no A-K Valley departments with 100% certification.