Shaffer, Policy Committee to Examine Challenges Facing Pennsylvania’s Firefighters

October 7, 2026

WHAT: House Republican Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny), and other lawmakers will host a hearing titled “Meeting the Needs of our Firefighters” to explore firefighter recruitment and retention, peer support, mental health services, and cancer screenings; access to affordable training and certification, including vocational and technical school pathways; and state grant funding for apparatus, equipment, and station needs.

WHO: Testifiers will include John 'J.C.' Tedorski, deputy state fire commissioner, Office of the State Fire Commissioner; David McWilliams, chief, Richland Township Volunteer Fire Department; Tim Leech, vice president, Pittsburgh Fire Fighters; Bruce Hezlep, director of public safety, Pine Township, and assistant chief, Cranberry Volunteer Fire Company; Matthew Brown, chief, Allegheny County Emergency Services; and Josh Wiegand, chief, West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Company #3.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Richland Volunteer Fire Department, 5857 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044

LIVESTREAM: Barring any technical difficulties, the hearing will be streamed online at policycommittee.com.

Media contact: Nancy Nilson, nnilson@pahousegop.com