The Fort Washington Fire Company No.1 announced that it has been certified by the Pennsylvania Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition (VRSR) program as a Swiftwater Flood Evacuation team.

The company’s team of 16 are specifically trained in the areas of water rescue emergencies and are prepared to respond with a fleet of four rescue boats and assorted water rescue equipment.

The VRSR recognition is a joint program between the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, the company said. The program recognizes emergency services agencies that can safely and efficiently perform rescue operations to the standards established by the two agencies.

“This recognition is a testament of the dedication by our volunteers to providing the finest fire and rescue services to our community” said Fire Chief Andrew Rathfon.

The company is composed of volunteers and is actively welcoming new members.

“We’re always looking for residents who are curious about potentially joining to come and check things out,” says President Ernest Racz.

In related news, the company’s annual Santa Run will take place on Sunday, December 22 at 5:00pm. More details can be found here.

The routes Santa will take when traveling through are below:

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Photo: FWFC