Tri-City Duty Crew Lights Up the Future: Arnold Council Gives Green Light to 24/7 Emergency Services

In a landmark decision poised to dramatically enhance public safety across the region, the Arnold Council has officially given its enthusiastic approval to the Tri-City Duty Crew. This crucial vote marks the final hurdle for an initiative set to deliver round-the-clock, professional emergency services to the residents of Arnold, New Kensington, and Lower Burrell, ushering in a new era of rapid response and heightened security.

The highly anticipated approval, granted during a recent council meeting, was met with a sense of relief and optimism.

Arnold, the last of the three municipalities to formally endorse the agreement, now joins New Kensington and Lower Burrell in a collaborative effort to ensure continuous emergency coverage. This groundbreaking program is designed to fill critical gaps left by dwindling volunteer numbers, a challenge many communities face nationwide.

Arnold Mayor Joe Zazzara emphasized the paramount importance of this service, stating, "Public safety is number one in my opinion." His sentiments were echoed by Councilwoman Deborah Frantz, who passionately advocated for the duty crew, highlighting the vital need for prompt response times.

"We need to have a service for people to respond in an emergency. Minutes matter," Frantz asserted, underscoring the life-saving potential of the new crew.

Spearheaded by Arnold Fire Chief David Thimons, the Tri-City Duty Crew will operate from the Arnold No. 2 fire hall on Drey Street. The plan involves staffing the facility with four dedicated firefighters/EMTs per 24-hour shift.

One position will be salaried directly by the duty crew program, while the remaining three will be filled by members from the participating fire departments—Arnold No. 1 and No. 2, New Kensington's No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4, and Lower Burrell’s No. 1 and No. 3.

The financial commitment to this essential service is shared proportionally among the three cities.

Arnold will contribute an annual sum of $58,000, while New Kensington and Lower Burrell will each contribute $125,000 annually. This collective investment, totaling approximately $308,000 per year, underscores the shared dedication to bolstering emergency response capabilities and ensuring residents receive swift assistance when they need it most.

With all necessary approvals now in place, the Tri-City Duty Crew is projected to begin its vital operations by the end of May.

This collaborative model promises not only faster response times, significantly reducing reliance on mutual aid from neighboring communities, but also provides a robust, professional framework for managing emergencies around the clock. It's a testament to regional cooperation and a proactive step towards a safer future for the Tri-City area.