Norristown Earns State Swiftwater Rescue Certification

NORRISTOWN, PA — Norristown has once again received its state-granted Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Certification, reaffirming the excellence and fitness of local crews to handle challening issues in the Schuylkill River, Stony Creek, and other area waterways.

The Type 2a designation from the Pennsylvania Volunteer Rescue Services Recognition program is for "moderately complex" rivers and streams.

"I'm proud of our department's committment to excellence in public safety," Norristown Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell said. "This recognition illustrates the dedication that every member of the Norristown Fire Department displays daily in their service to the community."

Norristown is one just 11 departments statewide to receive the 2a designation, and among only 34 statewide to receive any recognition from the state Rescue Services program.

Advanced water rescues have become an increasingly common emergency call in Norristown and local municipalities with the recent string of extreme storms, as historic flooding has wracked the Schuylkill, Perkiomen, and other waterways in recent years.