Burns acquires $25,821 to replace ancient Middle Taylor VFC siren
‘I know Frank was involved in the decision-making with this grant’
Rep. Frank Burns July 7, 2025 | 11:34 AM
EBENSBURG, July 7 – Deputy Chief Trent Roberts will no longer have to climb 35 feet up a tower to service the troublesome Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Co. siren purchased in 1960, because state Rep. Frank Burns helped secure money for a modern replacement.
Burns, D-Cambria, played an approving role in the $25,821 grant to aid the 21-member fire company – which covers a township of 6 square miles with a population of 600 and assists 10 neighboring fire departments.
“The siren we have has a 7-horsepower electric motor that’s been rebuilt several times. It’s worn out, after being exposed to the elements of winter and rain,” Roberts said. “We have to keep replacing the brushes, which are $100 a set, and I’m the goofball who has to climb 35 feet up the tower to do that.
“The new one’s going to be electronic. There will not be any motor or brushes to change; it will last forever.”
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“I know Frank was involved in the decision-making with this grant. And in the past he has supported us, and got us a substantial amount of money for a brush truck. Any time we’ve ever asked, he’s done his best to help us.” – Deputy Chief Trent Roberts, Middle Taylor Twp. Volunteer Fire Co.
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Burns said he is always looking to help fire companies in his district, understands the financial struggles of small fire departments, and is glad to work with them to provide help.
“I know Frank was involved in the decision-making with this grant,” Roberts said. “And in the past he has supported us, and got us a substantial amount of money for a brush truck. Any time we’ve ever asked, he’s done his best to help us.”