When two large trucks jackknifed trying to climb through the Somerset-area mountains along the Pennsylvania Turnpike — an area that was among the hardest hit by the storm — a backlog of other trucks and vehicles began, as more snow fell at a historic rate. The State Police and the PA National Guard responded swiftly and in their full capacities here, too.
However, we cannot forget to thank those numerous local fire companies, EMS units, businesses, and everyday citizens for their tireless work during the Somerset backlog. Their efforts working with the state saved lives.
As our state agencies worked to check on each individual motorist and provide food, water, and fuel to those stranded, numerous local responders contributed to the relief efforts.
As a state, we have many to thank for providing assistance on the Turnpike. In addition to this list, we owe our gratitude to many local hotels and motels in Somerset and Bedford for providing shelter, numerous private and public bus companies, and those volunteer citizens from communities along the Turnpike who braved the storm to offer their help.
Today, I would like to acknowledge all of the emergency responders at the local, state, and county levels for showing what it means to be a true Pennsylvanian: by coming together to support their community and working diligently and tirelessly until everyone was safe. Thank you.
Businesses
- CoGo’s
- Herring Motor Co. Towing
- HMS Host Corp.
- Interstate Towing
- Lakewood Towing
- LaSalles Garage
- Myers Garage
- Pleasantville Dollar General
- Shawnee Market
- Sheetz
- Subway
- Walmart Distribution
- Waze
- Wissingers Repairs
Non-Profits, Churches, and Schools
- American Red Cross
- Bedford High School
- Bedford Middle School
- Bedford United Methodist Church
- Salvation Army
Fire Companies and EMS Units
- Alum Bank Fire Co.
- Bedford Fire Co.
- Berlin Fire & EMS
- New Baltimore Fire Co.
- Shanksville Fire Co.
- Shawnee Valley Ambulance
- Shawnee Valley Fire Co.
- Southern Cove Fire Co.
County Agencies
- Bedford County 911
- Bedford County Emergency Management Agency
- Somerset 911
- Somerset County Emergency Management Agency
State Agencies
- PA Department of Corrections (busses and drivers)
- PA Turnpike Concession Management Department
- PA Turnpike Fare Collections Department
- PA Turnpike Maintenance Department
- PA Turnpike Traffic Operations Center
- PEMA
- PennDOT
- Pennsylvania National Guard
- Pennsylvania State Police Troop T and off-Turnpike Troops
Federal Agencies
- FEMA