The Sutersville Volunteer Fire Department announced the acquisition of a new airboat designed to navigate the shallow, rock‑strewn waters of the Youghiogheny River. Chief Mark Ghion explained that the addition gives the borough’s 544 residents a vital tool for emergencies along the riverbank.
Why an Airboat?
Previous boats suffered damage from debris and low water levels, leaving the department without a reliable water‑craft. “For years we never had a boat. I thought that was pretty irresponsible for a fire department sitting on a river,” Ghion said. The airboat’s propeller sits above the water, allowing it to glide over obstacles that would halt conventional vessels.
Training and Readiness
Chief Ghion stressed that equipment alone is not enough; skilled personnel are essential. “There’s a difference between having a boat and having people trained in water rescue,” he noted. Every active member holds at least one nationally recognized professional certification, earning Pennsylvania’s 100‑percent participation recognition—a distinction achieved by few agencies statewide.
Recent training exercises demonstrated the airboat’s capabilities. “We were able to go anywhere on this river, unimpeded,” Ghion said after a weekend drill that let crews practice drifting over obstacles and reaching remote river sections.
Community Focus
The department plans to use the airboat for a range of scenarios, including boating emergencies, injured fishermen, and individuals stranded on the riverbank. While the vessel was purchased with Sutersville’s needs in mind, Ghion added that the crew is ready to assist neighboring communities when called upon.
Funding for the airboat came primarily from online fundraising efforts by local supporters. “I’d rather over‑prepare than under‑prepare,” Ghion said, emphasizing the department’s commitment to protecting families and preserving the safety of the community.
Looking Ahead
Crews continue to refine their water‑rescue skills, recognizing that the airboat is only part of a broader safety strategy. Ongoing training will ensure the department can respond to more hazardous rescues as they arise.
The addition of the airboat reflects Sutersville’s dedication to providing its residents with the best possible emergency services, reinforcing the volunteer fire department’s role as a cornerstone of the borough’s safety and community spirit.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
