The Conshohocken Fire Department earned the Swiftwater Type 1a Recognition through the Pennsylvania Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition Program, making it one of only four departments in the state to do so.
Type 1a recognition is for highly complex rescues with a 14-member all-hazard team requiring Advanced Life Support components during long-term deployments. The team consists of two leaders and two 6-member squads, which can be separated on simultaneous responses or split between work/rest cycles for a 24-hour response.
The VRSR program is administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner through the Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide statewide standards of rescue service equipment, personnel training and staffing, communications, reporting, and operations. Type 1a is the highest of the VRSR program’s five tiers of recognition.
The Conshohocken Fire Department now has sixteen certified Water Rescue technicians. Earning this recognition required 72 hours of training, including ice rescue, helicopter safety, swift water, and other courses. The team currently utilizes two Swiftwater rescue boats with 30 horsepower and two larger Swiftwater rescue boats with 50 horsepower. The department also owns one 16-passenger Highwater Vehicle and is awaiting receipt of a double-transport boat trailer with emergency scene lighting and equipment.
Conshohocken’s Type 1a recognition is valid from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026.
