CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- A new helipad is being constructed by the Undine Fire Company in Bellefonte to improve emergency medical response and save lives.
The helipad project, which has been in discussion for years, was originally proposed by the late EMS leader Rich Kelley and will be named in his honor. Kelley was a longtime firefighter, EMS leader, and Assistant Chief with the Undine Fire Company #2. Rich's decades of service, leadership, and compassion made a lasting impact on emergency response throughout Centre County. His mentorship, warmth, and dedication to helping others inspired everyone who served alongside him. The helipad will stand as a permanent tribute to his legacy of service and community care.
"So we thought we would dedicate a spot of our ground up there just to the landing zone," Gary Lohr, Fire Chief of the Undine Fire Company, said. "And it'll always be there, no matter if the place is rented or not."
"There was once we couldn't because there was inclement weather, with the lights we'll be able to do that now," Pat Burnhard, project coordinator and Undine member, said.
Members of the fire company have reported over a dozen calls this year where a person needed to be flown for treatment, highlighting the need for a dedicated helipad.
The community and local contractors are actively supporting the project by donating materials and labor.
"I think the community's being very supportive and the contractors in the area to help us out, to make sure that we're not funding it all ourselves," Lohr said.
Pat Burnhard noted that a company donated three loads of stone, and a paving job valued at $15,000 to $18,000 was donated to the project.
The goal is to pour the concrete pad for the helipad this year. To bring the project to completion, the fire company is asking for donations of materials and supplies from local businesses. Each business that contributes will be recognized on a 4×8 vinyl banner displayed on the property fence, celebrating the community's shared commitment to safety and service.
For more information or to learn how to contribute, please contact: Jen Perry, Undine Fire Company #2. 814-280-2626 or at [email protected], Donations can also be sent to #2 PO Box 326 Bellefonte, Pa 16823.
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