Cambria Coroner’s office unveils new protective rescue gear

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Cambria County Coroner’s Office is now fully prepared for any incident they might be called to. On Wednesday, Coroner Jeff Lees held a press conference to display the new uniforms that he and his staff will now wear.

“It’s not too often that I get to stand at this podium with good news. However, I’m very proud to say that the coroner’s office recently purchased 5 sets of rescue fire gear,” Lees said.

The gear includes coats, pants, boots, and gloves for each of the team members. The office already has helmets and much like firefighters, the names of the coroner and his deputies are on the back of their uniform.

The total cost of the gear was $9,101.63. It was purchased from All American Fire Equipment in Ebensburg.

The coroner’s office was able to pay for it using a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health . The office receives approximately $10,000 per year from the Department of Health for providing statistical data on Drug Overdose deaths, Violent Deaths and Maternal Deaths that are used for prevention and awareness or local and state agencies.

The gear will provide added protection from bodily fluids and hazardous materials. It can be worn for removing deceased people from house fires, motor vehicle accidents, technical rescue incidents or whenever they feel it’s necessary.

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“Whenever we’re called to these fatal house fires, fatal vehicle fatalities, you know, we’re the ones that are upfront, front and center, actually doing the sometimes digging, sifting through rubble to get to our bodies for recovery,” Lees said.

The protective uniforms will be put into service immediately.

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