The original item was published from March 28, 2019 12:00 PM to May 1, 2019 12:24 PM
Public safety is a valuable part of public service, and many professionals in South Fayette Township work diligently to ensure that citizens can safely enjoy their community.
An important piece of our public safety network is the volunteer fire service. South Fayette appreciates that four volunteer fire companies protect our neighborhoods and commercial centers.
All-volunteer crews participate in many hours of training, plus assist with fundraising and administrative duties, often while also working a full-time job. This level of dedication is truly remarkable.
To show our appreciation, the township again is offering firefighters the opportunity to receive tax credits—on both their township real estate tax and their earned income tax. Submission deadline is April 15, 2019. If you are a member of the Fairview, Oak Ridge, South Fayette or Sturgeon fire department, please contact me to determine if you are eligible.
I also ask all citizens to remember the volunteer nature of our fire departments and consider contributing to your local fire company on an annual basis.
Our public safety network extends to various township departments. Recently, two police officers were promoted to the rank of sergeant and two officers celebrated 20 years with South Fayette Township. I applaud Police Chief John Phoennik for prioritizing resident relations, and I encourage families to attend his upcoming “Cup with a Cop” program at YoFresh Yogurt Cafe in South Fayette on Sat. May 11. Children 13 and under will receive a free cup of ice cream!
Our Public Works Department keeps parks safe and usable and participates in the Pennsylvania One Call System to protect people from underground utility lines when they are completing a project that requires digging.
Our engineer technician works to educate residents and homeowner's associations about stormwater management, which helps keep properties safe from flooding, while our volunteer deputy emergency management coordinator aims to inform people on how safety issues such as how to be prepared for severe weather.
Lastly, I would like to highlight the public safety role of our township building and code officials. Our inspectors ensure that all construction—whether it’s a large commercial project or a backyard deck—meets minimum safety requirements. Their daily work strives to protect the public from dangerous conditions.
Remember: Safety first!
Sincerely,
John M. Barrett
South Fayette Township Manager