Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department
| Company type | Volunteer fire department |
|---|---|
| Industry | Emergency services |
| Headquarters | Shanksville , United States |
Area served | Shanksville, Indian Lake, Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania Turnpike section |
The Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department operates as a volunteer fire department providing emergency services to the communities of Shanksville, Indian Lake, and Stonycreek Township. Their jurisdiction spans an area encompassing roughly with a population near 2,500 residents. Additionally, the department is responsible for managing a section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
September 11 terrorist attacks
On September 11, 2001, this fire department promptly responded to the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93. They arrived within eight minutes and discovered a smoking impact crater measuring about deep and wide. Tragically, all 44 individuals aboard lost their lives. Flight 93 was among four hijacked aircraft involved in the al-Qaeda attacks that day, with its presumed target being the United States Capitol.
Assistant Chief Rick King, who was off-duty when he witnessed the crash near his residence, immediately reported to the scene. He joined firefighters Keith Custer, Merle Flick, and Robert Kelly, who were already on duty. Subsequently, Chief Terry Shaffer and county coroner Wallace "Wally" Miller arrived at the location. King coordinated additional assistance from nearby departments in Stoystown, Berlin, Central City, and Hooversville.
Firefighters worked to extinguish fires and clear debris using portable water packs and manual tools until FBI agents from Pittsburgh arrived around 2 p.m. Following this, they supported the Pennsylvania State Police in securing and preserving the crash site for investigation purposes.
After dedicating approximately ten hours at the location, Shanksville firefighters returned to their station but remained on alert for the following thirteen days. They also took part in memorial ceremonies organized by United Airlines on September 17 and 20, 2001, honoring the victims.
Shanksville Firehouse memorial
A memorial was donated by New York City firefighters featuring a steel cross salvaged from the World Trade Center. This cross is mounted on a base shaped like the Pentagon. The steel beams were escorted by hundreds of firefighters riding motorcycles from New York City to Shanksville and were installed outside the firehouse on August 25, 2008.
Heart4Terry campaign
In 2021, Terry Shaffer—who served as chief during the September 11 attacks—was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure. These medical conditions are not covered under the World Trade Center Health Program. A crowdfunding initiative successfully raised over $100,000 from more than 500 contributors to support a heart transplant procedure that Shaffer underwent in April 2022.