Undine Fire Company Plans Permanent Helipad in Bellefonte Honoring Late EMS Leader

Undine Fire Company plans to construct a helipad on its grounds in Bellefonte to serve as a permanent resource for medical helicopters responding to emergencies and a tribute to a late EMS leader.

With the goal of improving safety, access and response times, the fire company has dedicated a portion of land near Lambert Hall on Forge Road for the helipad. The area has long been used as informal landing site for medical helicopters.

It will be named in honor of Rich Kelley, a longtime paramedic, firefighter and leader of Centre County emergency medical services agencies who died in February 2024. Kelley was manager of Mount Nittany Health’s EMS and previously served as executive director of Bellefonte EMS, operations supervisor at Centre LifeLink EMS and a flight medic for Life Flight. He was also an assistant chief with Undine and a line officer for the Howard Fire Company.

The helipad, according to Undine, will be “a permanent tribute to his legacy of service and community care.”

“This project is all about strengthening emergency response for our community,” Undine Chief Gary Lohr said in a statement. “Naming it after Rich Kelley is a way to honor a man whose entire life was devoted to saving others.”

To complete the project, the fire company is seeking donations of materials and supplies from local businesses. Supporters making contributions valued at $500 or more will be recognized on a vinyl banner to be displayed on the property fence, according to a donation letter sent to businesses.

For information about contributing, contacting Jen Perry at (814) 280-2626.