SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — For 40 years, the Dive Rescue Specialists Team has served our area, assisting on water rescues and recoveries, but for those four decades, they've operated without a home base.
"We've rented space from local fire departments to house our equipment and it's a situation they need the space," said President Bill White.
Recently, a piece of land in Justus was given to the team to build their own station. The team received some grant money to help clear the site and construct the building. They've also received donations from the community.
Soon, there will be a place to house their vehicles and equipment.
"I would say we have close to a million dollars in equipment, but it has to be maintained all the time," White said.
Not having all of the equipment ready to go in one place has been a challenge to coordinate operations for the 55 team members under one roof, especially when time is of the essence.
"Our boats are currently stored outside. So there's a delay in getting boats on the road and getting boats set up. Where here having our own place, the boats will be able to be here and set up," said dive captain Fred Bales.
Team members say this project is a long time in the making, and there's still a lot to be done before the Dive Rescue Specialists can call this place home.
"We still need electrical; we still need to finish plumbing. As you can tell, it's really cold in here. So we still need heat. So there's a lot yet to be done. But just seeing it is a sign of hope," said Bales.
The team hopes to have the project completed by this time next year.