Members of the East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department proudly displayed their new firefighting equipment last week at the Scott Township commissioners meeting.

The department, which received a $10,000 state grant with help from Rep. Matt Smith, showed off the 21 new firefighting helmets with futuristic eye shields. The department also purchased four rescue helmets that are not as bulky and better suited for repelling or tending to crash victims.

"We purchased the best helmets on the market to protect our members," Assistant Chief Adam Kauer said.

The previous helmets were nine years old and had gone well past their expected lifespan. The fire department, which also purchased 21 sets of boots with the money, brought in the new equipment in March.

They spent the meeting showing the commissioners and Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, how the equipment is used and its benefits to rescue missions. Smith said he helped the fire department purchase the new equipment through a state Department of Community and Economic Development grant.

"The men and women that serve in our area volunteer fire companies deserve our support, so I was more than happy to help them obtain the life-saving equipment they desperately needed," Smith said.

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