Salem Twp. Volunteer Fire Co. awarded funding for critical firefighting gear

Apr. 9—SALEM TWP. — Rep. Mike Cabell on Tuesday said the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was able to purchase new air packs for its firefighters with state funding that he helped to secure.

Cabell, R-Butler Township, said the $106,740 grant was awarded through a program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

"The department has applied for this funding for the past several years, with no success," Cabell said. "So, I was more than happy to help with its grant request this time around. Because of the department's current fiscal constraints and the high cost of firefighting equipment, this purchase would not have been possible without the state support."

Cabell recently joined members of the fire department in inspecting the 12 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which replace 20-year-old units, some of which were obsolete. Cabell said SCBAs allow firefighters to breathe during an emergency response and are critical pieces of equipment.

Salem Township has about 4,000 residents and is home to Talen Energy, which operates two nuclear reactors on its campus.

"Getting these new air packs was very important for the protection of our firefighters, along with the industry and residents we serve," said Fire Chief Lee Smith.

"There's no way they would've been able to afford it," added Salem Township Supervisor John Fogg Jr., who also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the department and is a former fire chief.

Rep. Cabell expands veterans outreach program

Cabell on Monday announced he is expanding a program that provides free assistance to area veterans at his district offices in Sugarloaf and Dallas beginning in May.

"I am pleased to be able to add an extra service day every month when veterans can come in for help with benefits or ask questions about programs for which they are entitled," said Cabell, R-Butler Township. "We are partnering with the VFW to offer this additional assistance to any veteran or their dependents residing in the 117th Legislative District."

VFW representative Judy Zaykoski will be available on the first Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to meet with veterans at Cabell's district office in Sugarloaf Township, 669 State Route 93. Call 570-359-2138 to schedule an appointment.

Zaykoski can help veterans and their families navigate the complex system of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, and she can also provide assistance with vocational rehabilitation, VA home loans, education, insurance, burial benefits and non-service-connected pensions.

In addition, Cabell currently offers veterans outreach on a monthly basis in partnership with the American Legion. Those hours are as follows:

—Second Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at his district office in Dallas, 1108 Twin Stacks Drive. Call 570-675-6000 to schedule an appointment.

—Third Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at his district office in Sugarloaf Township. Call 570-359-2138 to schedule an appointment.

On those days, an American Legion service officer will be available to meet with veterans or their dependents. Veterans do not need to be an American Legion member to take part in the program.