Jan. 13--MOSCOW -- The borough's new fire chief is all about safety.
Steven Warner said he is constantly reading articles about fires, car crashes and new ways emergency responders are mitigating the risky nature of their work.
One of his major goals this year is to replace about 20 breathing packs with state-of-the-art upgrades that allow people outside a burning building to track volunteer firefighters on the inside.
"I don't want our guys to go into a house with substandard equipment," Chief Warner said.
The department did not get a federal grant that would cover the $100,000-plus price tag, so Chief Warner said fundraising efforts throughout the year will be important to build a buffer for the equipment purchase.
For his day job, the 28-year-old Madisonville resident works as a paramedic for Pennsylvania Ambulance.
As a volunteer, he has served the Moscow Fire Department for nearly 13 years -- since he was 16 years old.
"I always wanted to be a volunteer firefighter," Chief Warner said.
Over the years, his other roles with the Moscow Fire and Hose Company have included deputy chief, assistant chief, rescue captain, emergency medical services lieutenant and fire lieutenant. He has also served on the board as a trustee, vice president and president.
Chief Warner is the son of borough Councilwoman Rosemarie Warner and is engaged to Shannon Gillen.
Erin O'Malley, the prior fire chief, will now serve as the department's fire marshal.
Chief Warner estimated 50 volunteers serve in various roles for the hose company and with varying levels of activity.
"We could always use more volunteers," he said.
Contact the writer: [email protected], @kwindTT on Twitter
Copyright 2014 - The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
