Luckily for borough residents, Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company boasts a high volunteer turn-out rate.

That good fortune extends to the surrounding areas, as well as anybody utilizing the region's waterways because the fire company also is state-accredited as a swift water rescue operation.

George McBriar, fire chief, says his department is the lucky one -- to have so many volunteers is unusual for the area.

"We're fortunate to have a lot of members," McBriar says, noting that it also has a costly side effect. "But the more members you have, the more you have to outfit, so it does cost some money."

The equipment is costly, with the self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) costing about $7,000 each and a set of firefighting pants and jacket costing more than $1,000 each. The department also outfits its members with water gear.

The department receives some money from the borough, which budgets a certain amount per year and "takes care of us when we need anything," McBriar says. "The borough is always very good to us."

Firefighters also sell raffle tickets, host a Cash Bash along with Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department, organize a golf outing and mail a solicitation letter to the community. The letters generate about $12,500, McBriar estimates.

But the money still is tight, with the cost of equipment continually increasing.

One of the ways local departments ease the impact of equipment cost is by sharing amongst each other. Departments often respond to the same calls along with Blawnox VFC.

The department received state accreditation for swift water rescue last year, and is currently working on receiving its second level of certification.

It responded to about a dozen water rescue calls last year.

Last year, the department responded to 267 calls. It responded to about 115 already this year.