Vandergrift Councilman Dr. Joseph O'Brien worked from 1957 to 1962 developing a dream of a centrally located dispatching center for all local emergency services.  His dream became reality on January 2, 1962 when Rainbow Control officially went on the air using a room in the basement of Vandergrift VFD #1.

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Rainbow Control eventually served 17 communities.  The Rainbow Control system designed by "Doc" O'Brien was considered the "grandfather of all emergency dispatching systems" across the country.

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This system dispatched fire, police and ambulance and was also used as a model for the 911 system throughout the country.  Rainbow Control was in existence until December 31, 1989 at which time Westmoreland and Armstrong counties took over dispatching duties for the valley.

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Designation - Fire Department

Brown - Vandergrift #1

Red - Vandergrift #2

Blue - East Vandergrift

Green - Parks Twp.

Purple - North Apollo

Pink - Apollo #2

Pink - Apollo #3

Gold - Kiski Twp.

Silver - Washington Twp.

Gray - Markle

Orange - Allegheny Twp.

Maroon - Leechburg

Black - Gilpin Twp.

White - Hyde Park

Tan - West Leechburg

Yellow - Oklahoma

Burgundy - Freeport

Copper - South Buffalo Twp.

SS - Kiski Valley Special Services

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Some departments still use these colors till this day!