Hits & Misses

We’re happy to hear state lawmakers recognize the difficult circumstances that volunteer fire companies face throughout Pennsylvania. At a ceremony this week honoring everyone who helped with a successful trench rescue in Charleroi in late August, several legislators admitted that first responders are succeeding in a very difficult situation. “You companies that have to spend too much time fundraising are missing out on training opportunities,” state Rep. Dan Miller said. “It’s not 1978 anymore.” Miller helped to craft the legislation that created Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team I, which specializes in aiding people who are trapped in confined spaces. The organization’s headquarters hosted the ceremony, which honored Charleroi Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. and members of the nearly 40 agencies that were involved in the August rescue. We hope that acknowledgment of the tough position first responders constantly face will lead to more support. McKeesport’s annual Senior Wellness and Safety Expo is a wonderful service for the older residents of our community. Thursday’s event featured more than 40 vendors, who provided free resources and health information for seniors. UPMC representatives were on hand to provide free health screenings, which included flu shots, hearing and glucose screenings and blood pressure tests. About 300 seniors showed up to access the information and enjoy the entertainment, which was provided by local musician Mikey Dee. State Sen. Nick Pisciottano and former state Sen. Jim Brewster hosted the expo for years, and state Rep. Dan Goughnour joined Pisciottano after Brewster retired. They’re providing a valuable and much-needed service for area seniors.