The Sellersville area is no stranger to flooding, especially with the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek running through the center of town. After Hurricane Ida came through the region in September of 2021, the officers of the department decided it was time to outfit a truck that can be used specifically for water rescue events.

In March of 2022, we purchased a 2003 Stewart & Stevenson 5 ton truck from government surplus and developed a plan to turn it into a water rescue vehicle. Through many generous donations from local businesses and community groups, we were able to reach our goal. The truck contains a majority of our water rescue equipment, is outfitted with numerous emergency and scene lights, has a new custom fitted cover atop the cargo area, and features a lift gate for easy access to the bed or loading wheelchair bound patients.

Our volunteers have been busy over the course of the last year, with 14 members completing the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission water rescue operations course. Future plans include additional training for more complex situations.

Last week, Special Service 27 was placed into service with Bucks County and is ready to respond to water emergencies as needed. We hope it never floods again, but we know it will happen at some point. With our additional resources and training, we’re prepared for the next storm.