Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Receives Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Grant for Critical Firefighting Equipment

Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company Receives Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Grant for Critical Firefighting Equipment

PENN RUN, PA — The Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company is pleased to announce it has received grant funding from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to purchase a new large diameter hose intake relief valve for Engine 241 and a ventilation saw for Engine 242.

The grant funding allowed the department to enhance the operational readiness and safety of its first-due firefighting apparatus, ensuring firefighters have reliable equipment to safely and effectively protect the residents of Cherryhill Township and the surrounding area.

The new ventilation saw, now carried on Engine 242, is used to create openings in burning structures to release dangerous smoke, heat, and toxic gases from burning structures. Proper ventilation is a critical component of modern firefighting operations and improves visibility and safety for firefighters operating inside a structure. Firefighters completed training on the saw’s safety features, operation, maintenance, and return-to-service procedures. The saw has already been successfully utilized during both training exercises and emergency incidents.

The grant also funded a replacement intake relief valve for Engine 241, the department’s primary engine for interior fire attack operations. The intake relief valve helps maintain a steady and reliable flow of water to firefighters operating handlines inside a structure while also protecting the fire pump from damaging pressure surges. Following installation, firefighters conducted operational testing and training to confirm the valve’s ability to maintain proper intake pressure and safely relieve excess pressure when necessary. The valve has since functioned successfully during emergency responses.

“Having dependable equipment that performs as intended provides confidence to both our pump operators and firefighters working on the fireground,” said Fire Chief Jody Rainey. “These tools directly improve firefighter safety and help us operate more effectively during emergency incidents.”

The Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company expressed its appreciation to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the donors whose generosity made the grant possible.

“As we celebrate 75 years of serving our community, support from organizations like the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies reminds us that the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors remains strong,” said President Vinny Mutz. “We are grateful for their investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community we serve.”

The Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company, stationed in Penn Run, Pennsylvania, is currently celebrating 75 years of service to the community. Since 1951, the department has remained committed to protecting lives and property through the dedication of volunteer firefighters and the continued support of the community it serves.