The cost of life-saving and safety equipment by local government entities can often be burdensome for them, so when public-spirited companies opt to donate money toward the costs of these items, it proves to be a welcome thing. That was the case when Pennsylvania Gas and Electric Company recently donated $1,000 toward the costs of tactical trauma backpacks and “Stop the Bleed” kits.

Some background on the story. Scott Winters, the director of the Upper Fairfield Township Emergency Management Agency, told Webb Weekly. “Upper Fairfield Twp EMA and Loyalsock Valley Elementary School have built a strong working relationship to better protect the children at the elementary school should an emergency occur, such as an active shooter event. The goal of both organizations is to protect the staff and children who work/attend the school. Upper Fairfield Twp EMA has assisted the school with preplanning for emergencies, we have assisted the PTO with their planning and logistics for the yearly carnival, and we have offered to provide training to staff for active shooter emergencies.”

He continued, “Last year, Inflection Energy donated a tactical trauma backpack to both the elementary school and the township EMA to better prepare for an emergency. Because of the number of students and staff at the school, Upper Fairfield Twp EMA reached out to PG&E to see if they would be willing to assist with providing additional life-saving equipment. Without hesitation, PG&E agreed to donate $1,000 to purchase two more tactical trauma backpacks and eight “Stop the Bleed” Kits. Which will further enhance the preparedness of both organizations in the event of an emergency. “

He said PG&E has also offered to provide “pipeline safety training” to the Upper Fairfield Twp EMA and local emergency responders this fall.

Officials from PG&E said they were pleased to be a part of this effort by the Upper Fairfield Township EMA and Loyalsock Valley Elementary School staff to enhance safety at the school.

“PGE was happy to respond to a request for a donation for Upper Fairfield Township EMA and Loyalsock Elementary School to purchase Stop the Bleed Kits and Trauma Backpacks. This idea was brought forth by Scott Winters from the EMA and immediately resonated with us as a very worthy way to support the community by providing items that could potentially save a life. On behalf of all of us at PGE, we gladly support your efforts geared to the health and safety of your community, and particularly for the impact these items can have during an emergency situation,” stated Karen Thomas, Vice President of Human Resources for PG &E.