Fire and emergency services co-op for high schoolers
Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) and Bucks County Community College announced a partnership among the Bucks County Emergency Health Services, Bucks County Community College and several local Bucks County high schools to offer a Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program for students entering 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year.
The no-cost program will be held in the second half of the school day at the Lower Bucks Public Safety Training Center in Croydon, and will offer 400 hours of industry training, nine college credits and multiple professional and industry certifications.
The Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program is not only for students interested in joining a fire department or ambulance squad, but for students already involved in a volunteer fire and/or EMS company who would like additional training. The program will also be beneficial for students who want to get a jump-start on a college degree, want to be able to apply for a live-in program near a college or university or those needing the industry minimum to get hired as an EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, nurse, physician assistant and other similar careers.
“I know firsthand the difficulty our local volunteer fire departments have with recruitment and retention of new members,” Farry said. “I have been happy to champion legislation in Harrisburg to aid in these efforts and this new co-op program will be a fantastic opportunity for our students, while recruiting the next generation of volunteers to help protect our community.”
Farry, chief of Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company since 2001, an active member of the organization for 35 years and chair of the Senate Fire & EMS Caucus, secured the state funding to start the program and worked with Bucks County Community College and local school districts to develop the Co-Op.
“Bucks County Community College is committed to empowering students with real-world skills that lead to meaningful careers,” said Patrick M. Jones, president and CEO of Bucks County Community College. “The Fire and Emergency Services Co-Op Program not only provides valuable training, but by partnering with local schools and industry leaders, we are ensuring that students receive a head start on both college and career pathways, all while serving a critical need in public safety.”
For additional information, email Matthew.Hatrak@bucks.edu or call 610-227-5467. ••
Money for fire station construction
Reps. Kristin Marcell and Joe Hogan, along with Sen. Frank Farry, announced that Northampton Township has been awarded a $1 million grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to fund the construction of Northampton Fire Station No. 3. Located at 3 Township Road, the new station will bring enhanced safety and emergency response capabilities to the Richboro community and beyond.
“I am proud to have worked with Sen. Farry and Rep. Hogan to help secure this grant, which will help defray the costs of construction to develop this state-of-the-art facility for our firefighters,” Marcell said. “This new station represents a major upgrade for emergency response capabilities for our community.”
“I am pleased I was able to help secure this funding for the construction of Northampton Fire Station No. 3,” Farry said. “The new station will bring enhanced safety to our first responders and the communities they protect.”
“I am thrilled to have been a part of securing this RACP funding,” Hogan said. “This long-term investment will allow the Northampton Township Fire Department to keep our community safe while serving with efficiency and compassion for decades to come.” ••
New date for weddings, vow renewals
Linda Bobrin, Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, will be holding her annual Vows and Veterans wedding celebration on Thursday, Dec. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. in the third-floor rotunda of the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown.
In addition to the wedding ceremony, a vow-renewal ceremony will be part of the celebration. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy will officiate the ceremonies.
The free wedding will feature photography by Courtney Kanig Photography, live music by Mervin Toussaint Jazz Band, videography by James Donnelly, cupcakes by Crossroads Bake Shop and a catered lunch by Piccolo Trattoria. The first five participating couples will receive a gift certificate for a night at 1740 House in Lumberville.
The registration deadline is Nov. 28. Email willsandweddings@buckscounty.org. Participating couples looking to marry or renew their marriage vows must include at least one veteran or first responder. Couples interested in the wedding ceremony must apply for and obtain their marriage license by Nov. 29. The marriage license application can be found at buckscounty.gov/marriagelicenses.
For more information on how to participate or to donate services or funds, call Rachel Landsberg at 215-340-8268. ••
Honoring the work of school psychologists
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Judy Chu and Jimmy Panetta introduced a resolution that designated the week of Nov. 11 as National School Psychology Week, honoring the role school psychologists play in the well-being and success of students nationwide.
Each day, more than 35,000 school psychologists provide the support students need to thrive academically and emotionally.
“Our school psychologists are the unsung heroes of our schools, guiding our children through some of the most challenging and formative years of their lives,” Fitzpatrick said. “In our PA-1 community, we are fortunate to have some of the best school psychologists, who do so much more than support academic achievement — they build resilience, inspire confidence and nurture hope. Their work empowers students to recognize and realize their fullest potential, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Chu and Rep. Panetta in this effort to formally acknowledge the irreplaceable role of school psychologists, especially as our nation grapples with a critical shortage of these dedicated professionals, who are essential to the success and well-being of our future generations.”
“As a constituent of Rep. Fitzpatrick, I am beyond grateful for how he champions increased access to school mental health services and how he and his colleagues value school psychologists. He cares and recognizes that our students across the nation are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, and works tirelessly for bipartisan solutions to equip and empower school psychologists to intervene and help our students heal. During National School Psychology Week we are so appreciative of this recognition for the hard ‘heart’ work that we do every day, and commit to continued collaboration and problem solving to help our children and youth thrive,” said Dr. Julia Szarko, 2021 National School Psychologist of the Year and Abington School District school psychologist. ••
State money to fund Bensalem playground
Rep. K.C. Tomlinson announced that the redevelopment project of the Imagination Land Playground in Bensalem has received a $386,300 grant. The funding comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
“I am so happy to see this funding go toward the redevelopment project at Imagination Land Playground,” Tomlinson said. “This playground is a vital outdoor space for the Bensalem community, and I know this will help make sure it gets important updates so every family can continue to enjoy it.”
Funding for this project will go to the renovation of the parking area and pedestrian walkway; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing and utilities; and ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. ••
Accountability in PFAS contamination
U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Dan Kildee have introduced legislation to continue to ensure accountability at the Department of Defense for communities impacted by the widespread, ongoing PFAS contamination crisis. The bill would establish a new position at the Pentagon — Coordinator for PFAS-Impacted Defense Engagement — to improve transparency, drive remediation and give a voice to communities suffering from this toxic legacy.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are toxic compounds linked to cancer, thyroid disorders and other life-threatening health conditions. Historically used in military firefighting foam, these toxic chemicals have contaminated water and soil in communities near military installations, leaving millions of families at risk.
Under the legislation, the PFAS coordinator would be responsible for engaging directly with affected communities to address concerns, ensure accountability and provide updates on remediation efforts; streamlining communication among local stakeholders, advocacy organizations and federal agencies; and driving progress on cleanup efforts with transparency and urgency.
“PFAS contamination is one of the most serious and far-reaching public health crises of our time, and alongside Congressman Kildee, tackling it has been at the heart of our work in Congress,” said Fitzpatrick, co-chairman of the Congressional PFAS Task Force. “Our bipartisan legislation demands decisive action and transparency from the Department of Defense, ensuring that impacted communities are no longer ignored or left in the dark. Families in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation deserve swift solutions and the unwavering commitment of their government to protect their health, safety and future.” ••
Bill passes to rename post office after flood victim
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick celebrated the Senate passage of his bill with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office the “Susan C. Barnhart Post Office.” The companion legislation was introduced by Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman. The legislation heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Susan Barnhart was one of the seven victims who lost their lives in the catastrophic flash flooding in Bucks County on July 15, 2023. She was a dedicated employee of the Washington Crossing Post Office and resident of Titusville, New Jersey.
“Last July, our community was shaken to the core when a devastating flash flood claimed the lives of seven innocent individuals, including the remarkable Susan Barnhart. A true exemplar of public service and compassion, Susan brought joy to everyone she encountered. While her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, the Senate passage of this legislation to rename the Washington Crossing Post Office ensures her legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Thank you to Congresswoman Watson Coleman and my colleagues in the House and Senate for joining me to honor Susan and the memories of all those we lost that day,” Fitzpatrick said.
“This is not only a memorial of Susan’s death but a fond remembrance of her boundless passion and energy for life,” said Susan’s sister, Lynda Barnhart. “Susan’s joy was helping others, always with a warm smile, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was devoted to her work at the Post Office and genuinely cared for her customers and co-workers — it was never just a job to her, and she consistently went above and beyond to help others. Still, almost a year later, people are sharing stories with us about how they would visit the Post Office just to experience her smile and service. Susie made everyone she encountered feel special and brightened their days — this dedication perfectly honors her memory and spirit.” ••
Money for conservation efforts
Legislation led by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to authorize the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through 2030 unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources. The DRBRP brings together the federal government and state and local partners to meet conservation needs throughout the watershed region.
Since its enactment in 2016, the legislation has awarded $72.1 million and generated $100 million in match to fund nearly 250 projects. The reauthorization reinforces collaboration among federal, state and local governments to advance restoration initiatives, ensuring the Delaware River Basin remains a cornerstone of ecological and economic vitality for generations to come.
The bill is endorsed by the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.
Fitzpatrick said, “The Delaware River is a lifeline for our communities in Bucks and Montgomery counties and a treasured resource for our region. I am incredibly grateful to Chairman Westerman and the Committee on Natural Resources for moving this critical piece of legislation forward today. This bipartisan, bicameral effort ensures that federal funding continues to empower our state, local and nonprofit partners in their conservation and restoration efforts. Together, we are preserving this national treasure for future generations.” ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is Dec. 11. ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The schedule is Dec. 4 (budget meeting) and Dec. 16. ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 17, the third Tuesday of the month, to avoid meeting on Christmas Eve.
The public is invited to attend. ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Dec. 4. ••
