White Oak honors firefighter, presents money to animal shelter

A moment of silence was held to remember former councilman Ken Robb.

White Oak council held two recognitions and a moment of silence Monday for noteworthy members of the community.

Casey Donahoe, 39, a McKeesport resident and a White Oak native, is a lifetime member of 21 years of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company in White Oak. He spent three weeks battling wildfires in Montana with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Pennsylvania sends crews of 20 people in 14 districts to western states to assist with controlling wildfires. Some districts have around 100 firefighters who are qualified, and others, like in Allegheny, only have Donahoe.

In a proclamation at the meeting in front of Donahoe as well as his family and friends, Mayor Ina Jean Marton said the firefighter engages in one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States, saving lives, property, structures and cultural resources — sacrificing his time in the process while leaving his home and family.

“Whereas White Oak Borough is honored to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of Casey Donahoe, whose compassion and genuine commitment to the welfare of other human beings is the source of inspiration to everyone,” Marton said. “Now, therefore we urge all the citizens to recognize the outstanding achievements of Casey Donahoe who has brought honor and credit to his family, his friends, his fellow firefighters and his borough.”