22 firefighters from Weathersfield volunteer

22 firefighters fromWeathersfield volunteer
MINERAL RIDGE -- Twenty-two of the Weathersfield Township Fire Department's firefighters volunteered to head to New York City for a minimum two-week stay.
Though none of them have been called by New York officials, Fire Chief Randy Pugh, who contacted NYFD and local firefighters Sept. 11, told township trustees Tuesday, these "are the kind of people you have working for you."
Firefighters in the township are considered volunteers, and receive $7 per call, the chief added.
A planned demonstration of new fire equipment and police equipment -- which had been scheduled for the trustees' regular meeting Sept. 11 -- will be showcased at the Mineral Ridge Fire Department from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 20.
The new equipment includes a new thermal imaging camera that cost $20,055, to come out of department funds. The camera permits imaging inside a fire site and a screen for safety forces outside the fire to help crews inside locate possible victims. Police equipment to be displayed will include a new camera mounted on a cruiser, which will be used to record patrols and stops.
Salem rally to benefitfamilies of Flight 93
SALEM -- Area businesses and organizations are combining resources to stage a public rally to benefit the families of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania as the result of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
The "We Believe in the USA" rally is set for 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Heritage Inn, 333 W. Fourth St. The free event will feature food and music, and a bonfire and helium balloon release for children.
Drive with lights on
YOUNGSTOWN -- Three local radio stations -- 101 WHOT, 103 WYFM and 105 WQXK -- are promoting a Drive With The Lights On campaign to remember those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and to salute workers and volunteers at ground zero.
Station officials suggest drivers turn on their vehicle lights Thursday, which is one month since the attacks took place.
Charged in scam
ERIE, Pa. (AP) -- An Erie man will stand trial on charges of collecting money for the American Red Cross, then spending the money on himself.
Jeffrey Lynn Skapura, 36, faces one count of theft by deception, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison. He was released from Erie County Prison on Tuesday after posting a $300 bail.
State police say Skapura collected about $500 for the Red Cross on Sept. 21. He contacted the agency and offered to organize a fund-raiser for its National Disaster Relief Fund.
Instead, police say, he spent the money on a hotel room and on drinks for friends at the hotel's bar.