ALLENTOWN, P.A. – Today, Congresswoman Susan Wild joined Allentown Fire Chief Efrain Agosto, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, IAFF Local 302 Allentown Fire Fighters Union President Jeremy Warmkessel, and additional state and local leaders for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Allentown Fire Academy and Emergency Operations Center.
“The new Allentown Fire Academy and Emergency Operations Center will make our community safer and better protected,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “I’m proud to have delivered a federal investment to make this facility a reality, to enhance firefighters’ training and support our community in times of crisis.”
The new Allentown Fire Academy and Emergency Operations Center will serve as a fully equipped central location for local and regional leaders, emergency responder, utility companies, and other key players to coordinate critical response and disaster mitigation. When first responders from more than one agency are needed in the event of emergency, such as a dangerous weather event, they’ll have a central location to coordinate and make decisions to respond to Allentown’s needs.
Rep. Wild secured $129,593 in federal Community Project Funding for the Fire Academy and Emergency Operations Center project. This investment helped equip the facility with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, secure communications and receivers, and a back-up power generator – to ensure the location has the capacity and the resources to coordinate critical response and disaster mitigation.
“We're deeply grateful to Congresswoman Wild for her leadership and support,” said Allentown Fire Chief Efrain Agosto. “Her allocation of $129,000 has played an integral role in making this state-of-the-art facility a reality. This investment will not only enhance the training and capabilities of our firefighters but also reinforce the safety of our residents. We appreciate the support of all our elected officials, including Congresswoman Wild, Senator Browne, Mayors O'Connell and Tuerk, and look forward to continued partnerships.”
The Fire Academy and Emergency Operations Center was dedicated in honor of the late Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Kiskeravage, who passed away June 9, 2023. Rep. Wild presented his family with an American flag which had been flown over the U.S. Capitol building in his honor.
“By dedicating this Fire Academy to Captain Kiskeravage, we create a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication and care will always guide our City's focus on safety and preparedness,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk.
Assistant Chief Chris Kiskeravage lived a life of service dedicated to the community. He began his career as a volunteer with the Shenandoah Ambulance Corp in his teen years. Throughout his firefighting career, Kiskeravage was a member of the IAFF for Easton Fire Dept, an Assistant Chief for the Allentown Fire Dept, a member of the Lehigh County Special Operations team, PA USAR Co. #3, a beloved instructor at Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and Bucks County Community College, assisted in the development of the Allentown Fire Dept Technical Rescue team, and was South Whitehall Township’s first full-time Fire Commissioner. He passionately taught and trained firefighters around the world (traveling to Korea, Japan, Romania, and Italy as well as within the US) teaching EMT, fire suppression, Hazmat, and more. He donated his body to help find ways to make firefighting a safer job. As a leader, teacher, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather, he was loved by many. Kiskeravage’s legacy will continue through his family and all whom he taught.
###