The Wattsburg Hose Company performs all rescue work in our district.  We are trained in several different types of rescue, including Vehicle Rescue, Rope Rescue, Water Rescue, Dive Rescue, Search and Rescue, and Farm Rescue.

We primarily focus on three types of rescue, since they are our most often used skills.  These three are Vehicle, Rope, and Water Rescue.

Vehicle Rescue

We utilize numerous types of equipment in vehicle rescue.  Engine 172 is outfitted with a Hurst tool set, including the Jaws of Life.  The truck also carries an Ajax air hammer, Com-a-longs, Chains, Chain binders, wood cribbing for stabilizing, a reciprocating saw, axes, Halligan tools, and a full complement of hand tools to affect rescues.  Our primary focus is towards stabilizing the vehicle, and extricating any occupants.

We stand ready to assist any fire department in the surrounding area who requires our help.

We also rely on our neighboring fire departments, either for rescue equipment we do not have, or when more equipment is needed, including Elgin- Beaverdam for their Airbags, Kuhl Hose Company for their Airbags and Holmatro tool, Union City Volunteer Fire Department for their Hurst Tool, and Belle Valley for their Rescue in heavy extrication situations.

Rope Rescue

Our Rope Rescue team currently consists of four highly trained personnel, equipped with the best equipment available.  All four members are also members of the Northwest Technical Rescue Team, which is based in Fairview.  This team is available to perform Rope Rescues anywhere in the Region.

The Northwest Technical Rescue Team trains in high angle, sloped incline, confined space, trench, tower, and cave rescue.  The team is constantly training to improve it's skills. 

More personnel are currently being trained to work with the Ropes team.

Water/ Dive Rescue

We currently have six personnel on our Water Rescue Team, with three dual trained to Dive Rescue.  We are equipped to handle shore based rescues, and can affect boat based rescues from our boat.  Utilizing a commercial 11 foot fiberglass rowboat, the Water Rescue team covers Lake Pleasant and French Creek.  The advantage to using this boat is the shallow draft, without having to worry about damaging a motor if we have to beach, plus it is  light, and can be hand carried to shorelines unreachable by vehicles.

We frequently assist Union City Volunteer Fire Department at the Union City Reservoir, and have been called to assist other fire departments as far away as Edinboro.

On any Water Rescue, due to the personnel demands, we require the assistance of many fire departments, including Kuhl Hose Company with their Rescue Boat, the Union City Dive Team, the Erie County Sheriff's Dive Team, Edinboro Dive Team, and Fuller Hose Company's Dive Team.