I have partnered with Allegheny RiverTrail Park to host the RiverTrail Recreation Day on Sunday, June 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. We will be celebrating outdoor traditions, and have information on state resources and local organizations in the realm of recreation and conservation. Come celebrate the great outdoors and summertime recreation with me and my office staff!

Meet Kilo, the newest addition to the Tarentum Borough Police Department. I am proud to have found and assisted in the awarding of funding that Chief William Vakulick talked to me about previously to add a highly trained K-9 officer to the area. K-9’s are valuable assets; they can help find missing people and fugitives, and detect bombs and narcotics – helping to make our community safer than before. They are dependable, loyal partners for our police force and protect us in our own backyards. Welcome, Kilo!!

I recently had an incredible experience -- an experience that will stay with me for my lifetime.

I was invited to participate in Fire Ops training with the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters. I’ve long been an advocate for our firefighters. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on the dangerous work that they did. But I did not understand. And I was shaken to my core by the training experience.

Suited up in 70 lbs. of gear with a full-face mask and oxygen tank, I was rushed down a flight of stairs into the basement of a building. I crawled in pitch black tunnels with smoke everywhere and fire on the walls and ceilings, with the crackle of voices coming in on the radio in my helmet. I could feel the incredible heat through my fireproof suit. I tripped over objects that I couldn’t see on the floor. I lost my partner and turned the wrong way. I felt panic and fear and struggled to keep my mind calm and focused. I kept having flashes – what if one of my children was lost inside.

When I finally stumbled out, I fell into the arms of a firefighter who reached in to help me out. I stood leaning on him for several minutes. I cried and he kept his arms around me until I regained my composure. I was crying with fear, but mostly with gratitude for what our firefighters do for us. It is truly incredible. Their bravery is just mind blowing.

One of my objectives as state representative is to fight for and support our firefighters. They have fully and completely won me over. They are amazing human beings. Heroes that walk among us. <3

Blawnox Volunteer Fire Company is looking for volunteers! So are most Volunteer Fire Companies. Please give your time if you are able; you can make a difference in your community! This is such a noble pursuit – thank you to our firefighters!!

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 705-7141

District Office

1296 Pittsburgh Street

Cheswick, PA 15024

(724) 826-5151