BUREAU OF FIRE

HFD Rescue One

The Rescue One program, begun in 1992, increases the Fire Bureau’s ability to respond to incidents requiring heavy, special, or technical rescue such as structural collapses, trench rescue, confined space rescue, high/low angle rescue, or heavy vehicle extraction. This is accomplished by intensive training of personnel and the purchase of specialized equipment.

The Rescue One Unit is the product of a series of major innovations and advances, making the Harrisburg Fire Bureau one of the premier firefighting and rescue operations in the state and nation. The Rescue One Unit is a part of Pennsylvania Task Force I (PA-TF1), a designated Urban Search and Rescue Team of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Only 25 such teams exist nationwide and each is available for mobilization in response to any national emergency. The 22 member unit has received more than 300 hours of advanced technical training which is supplemented by the unit’s continuing education program and periodic drills.