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A Renewed Call for AED Access and Cardiac Emergency Preparedness
The West Scranton community is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader, mentor, and friend — Coach Tommy Selemba, President of the West Scranton Jr. Invaders. Coach Selemba was a tireless advocate for youth sports and a passionate believer in building strong, safe communities. His sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of just how fragile life can be — and how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. His loss also brings renewed attention to another young life that left a mark on Pennsylvania: Greg Moyer. In 2000, Greg — a healthy, active high school basketball player — collapsed and died from sudden cardiac arrest during a game. There was no AED on-site. His parents, John and Rachel Moyer, turned their unimaginable grief into action, launching the Greg W. Moyer Defibrillator Fund to make sure other families would never experience the same loss. Since then, the Moyers have helped place hundreds of AEDs in schools and public spaces across our Commonwealth. Their advocacy has saved lives. That’s why I am once again calling on the legislature to pass Greg Moyer’s Law — legislation I’ve authored to ensure no school or youth sports program, or practice is left unprepared in the event of a cardiac emergency. Greg Moyer’s Law would:
Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait. It doesn’t discriminate. And it often happens without warning — especially in youth athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions during physical exertion. I am committed to ensuring that no team, school, or community is left without the resources to respond. A simple device with a prepared response can mean the difference between life and loss. To the Moyer family, to Coach Selemba’s loved ones, and to anyone who has experienced this tragedy — please know that your stories are not forgotten. And your voice continues to guide this work! Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect a commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. These bills now move to the House for consideration. April is National Donate Life Month
For the 23rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers, and the clinical teams that make it all possible. My own family has witnessed the life-saving impact of organ donation through three kidney transplants. We have seen firsthand the extraordinary generosity of others and the profound gift of life that organ donors provide. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are currently awaiting organ transplants. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others—helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns, and vision loss. If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you renew your driver’s license or ID. It’s easy to register online, and there is no cost to the donor’s family. Medical professionals will always do everything they can to save a life first—donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted. Please take a moment this April to consider becoming a donor. Learn more. Local MCTI Students Win Regional PennDOT Innovations Challenge
I’m proud to congratulate Monroe Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) students Leylla and Neylla Joseph for winning the PennDOT Innovations Challenge for our region. This annual competition encourages high school students to develop creative solutions to real-world transportation issues. This year’s challenge focused on increasing seat belt safety awareness and changing driver behavior to help reduce roadway fatalities. Mentored by Ross Ruschman, Leylla and Neylla’s project—Love. Life. Click.—offers an innovative approach to promoting seatbelt use and encouraging safe driving habits. They will go on to present their solution to a statewide panel of judges in April. I wish them the very best and commend their efforts to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer for everyone. To learn more about the Innovations Challenge, click here. A Special Visit from Floyd and Judy Zabel
This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Floyd and Judy Zabel, constituents from the 40th District, to the Senate floor. It was an honor to share this experience with such kind and engaged members of our community. Joining us were Senators Lisa Baker and Kristin Phillips-Hill. Future Leaders at JM Hill Elementary
This week, I had the pleasure of visiting the 4th grade students at JM Hill Elementary School to talk about the three branches of government and my role as their state senator. Thank you to the teachers and staff for the warm welcome, and to the students for such thoughtful questions. I’m always encouraged by the future leaders growing up right here in our community. Celebrating 140 Years of Service at Crystal Fire Company No. 1
Congratulations to Crystal Fire Company No. 1 on the remarkable occasion of its 140th anniversary! I had the pleasure of visiting with members before they kicked off their Purse Bingo event to recognize their proud history and incredible service. Founded on March 3, 1885, Crystal Fire Company No. 1 stands as one of the oldest volunteer fire companies in Pennsylvania. For over a century, their dedicated volunteers have faithfully protected Jermyn and surrounding communities in Lackawanna, Wayne, and Susquehanna Counties. Their longstanding commitment to public safety is a testament to the strength of community service, and they have certainly earned our deepest respect and gratitude. Honoring Patty Copp’s 34 Years of Service to the West End Community
I had the privilege of attending Patricia Copp’s retirement celebration in the West End to share our deep appreciation for her 34 years of compassionate service with West End Ambulance. Patty’s commitment to emergency services has left a lasting impact on our community. It was heartwarming to celebrate this milestone with her family, EMS colleagues, and many friends who gathered to honor her remarkable career. Wishing Patty a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and the knowledge that her service has made a true difference.
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