MIDWAY, Pa. (Tuesday, Sept. 9) — Midway Volunteer Fire Company has completed work on a converted military truck that will serve as part of its newly formed Swiftwater Rescue Team, officials said.

Known as HW5, the truck was acquired through a private sale in Altoona after service with the Windber Forestry Service. Fire company members completed mechanical repairs, designed and fabricated a rear platform and ladder, added troop seating and a canopy, and arranged for painting, lettering and installation of emergency lighting.

The vehicle was formally turned over to the chiefs Monday evening. Training on the unit is expected to begin soon.

Committee members overseeing the project included Chief 5 Tom Benscoter, committee chair Jeff Griffin, Tom Brown, Brandon Rosenthal, Chief Engineer Dave Tori, and George Stahl, a past chief and current HW5 engineer.

Fire officials said the truck will provide a safe and cost-effective platform for rescue operations during high-water events, helping to protect both firefighters and more modern apparatus.