Title
Proclamation congratulating the Clairton Volunteer Fire Department for being named the 2008 Organization of the Year by the Clairton Chamber of Commerce.
Body
WHEREAS, with the help of local volunteer fire departments, City of Clairton Fire Chief John Lattanzi and a group of chosen candidates formed the Clairton Volunteer Fire Deparment in 1988; and
WHEREAS, since 1988, the volunteers have provided 24-hour protection to the City of Clairton, with at least one driver and firefighter on duty at all times; and
WHEREAS, the Clairton VFD has also worked to ensure that the residents of Clairton have access to Emergency Medical Services. After initial difficulties with ambulance service, Chief Lattanzi called an emergency meeting of the volunteers and made the decision to pull out an older ambulance from storage, utilizing the help of local EMS services to protect Clairton residents. Shortly following these events, Lifestar Ambulance was contracted to provide EMS support in Clairton, with the volunteers agreeing to serve as the primary back-up EMS support; and
WHEREAS, in 1996, the Fire Chief and Medical Director submitted a proposal to the City Council in an attempt to allow the Fire Department to have the entire EMS contract for the city. City Council voted favorably and the Fire Department now employs more than 40 EMTs and Paramedics; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the 24-hour-a-day coverage in the City of Clairton, the Clairton VFD has also protected residents of the Glassport area for approximately 16 hours per day since 2000;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council joins with the Clairton Chamber of Commerce in honoring the Clairton Volunteer Fire Department as the 31st Annual Organization of the Year. With the support of your local officials, you have distinguished yourself as one of Allegheny County's most successful fire departments. We wish you continued success in the future, and thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make in the line of duty.