Forbes Road VFD

10/21/2026

🚨Not enough manpower.
⠀
That warning came through clearly at our recent hearings with Reps. Jeremy Shaffer and Jill Cooper. Strengthening those ranks starts with training. This week, the General Assembly passed SB 782, companion to Rep. Jim Struzzi’s “Return to Service” bill, to let state and public school retirees serve as certified fire, EMS and police instructors part-time without affecting their pensions.

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

What does a blue light mean?

Chief Bobby Rosatti was recently featured on KDKA-TV | CBS News Pittsburgh to help explain the purpose of blue lights used by volunteer firefighters in their personal vehicles.

When you see a vehicle displaying a flashing blue light, there’s a good chance a volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency. Whether they’re heading to the fire station to staff an apparatus or responding where needed.

So, what should you do when you see one?

In Pennsylvania, a blue light is a courtesy light. It does not give a volunteer firefighter the same privileges as an emergency vehicle operating with red lights and a siren. Other motorists are not legally required to pull over or yield.

However, when it is safe to do so, please consider allowing the vehicle to pass.

⚠️ While blue lights are permitted under Pennsylvania law when used in accordance with applicable regulations, Forbes Road Fire Department prohibits our members from using blue lights on their personal vehicles while responding to emergency calls. This is a departmental policy and may differ from the policies of other volunteer fire departments throughout the area. ⚠️

📺 Watch Chief Bobby's interview and the full KDKA story here:
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/video/what-does-the-law-say-about-volunteer-firefighters-and-blue-lights-in-their-personal-vehicles/

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

Forbes Road Fire Department Chief Robert Rosatti testified this week before the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee at a hearing titled "Protecting Pennsylvania: Strengthening Fire and Emergency Medical Services." State Rep. Jill Cooper (R-55) hosted the hearing.

Chief Rosatti was joined by Murrysville Chief Administrator Michael Nestico. They gave lawmakers a first-hand account of the challenges facing local fire and emergency medical services. Policy hearings allow legislators to hear directly from professionals and stakeholders, and their testimony is used to help draft legislation.

The hearing comes as Pennsylvania's emergency services face serious declines:

• Volunteer firefighters:
In the 1970s, Pennsylvania had nearly 300,000 volunteer firefighters. Today the number is close to 37,000, a decline of roughly 88%.

• Ambulance services:
In 2023–24, 47 Pennsylvania ambulance companies closed, including Lifestat Ambulance in Saltsburg and Jeannette EMS in our region.

Rep. Cooper has introduced House Bill 1152 to improve the reimbursement formula for ambulance services. The bill has not yet been taken up by the House Emergency Services and Veterans Affairs Committee.

The Forbes Road Fire Department thanks Rep. Cooper for her leadership on this issue and for giving local first responders a voice in Harrisburg.

Watch the hearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPawFl_8Vo&t=346s

Read Rep. Cooper's full summary: https://repjillcooper.com/News/38933/Press-Releases/Latest-News-from-State-Capitol-and-55th-District

10/15/2026

Forbes Road Fire Department is on site today at Metzgar Elementary School conducting fire prevention education. Our members are teaching students fire safety fundamentals, including how to respond to a smoke alarm, how to exit safely, and the importance of a family meeting place.

As always, we encourage all families to review their home escape plan and test their smoke alarms this month!

10/10/2026

Soft surface? Hard pass. 🎮🛋️

Charging a controller, phone, or tablet on a bed, couch, beanbag, or pillow can trap heat. Always charge devices on a hard, flat surface where heat can escape.

That wraps up Fire Prevention Week! Thank you for following along and helping keep our community safe. Remember, these small actions can make a big impact all year long. ❤️🚒

Learn more at FPW.org, and as always, call 911 in an emergency.

10/09/2026

On a flight? Keep it in sight. ✈️

Traveling soon? Keep your phone, power banks, and spare batteries in your carry-on, not your checked bag. That way, if something overheats, it can be spotted and handled quickly.

If a device drops into your seat, don't move the seat to grab it. Let a flight attendant know right away. The same goes for any device that's getting hot or smoking.

Small action. Big impact.

10/08/2026

Fully charged? Time to unplug. 🔌

Once your phone, tablet, or other device hits 100%, unplug it. Leaving devices plugged in for long stretches adds unnecessary risk. Try to charge while you're awake and nearby, not overnight while you're sleeping.

Bonus tip: Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. 🚨

Small action. Big impact.

10/07/2026

Feels hot? Stop using it. 🛑

Your battery may be warning you. Watch for:
🔸 Unusual heat
🔸 Swelling or bulging
🔸 Strange odors
🔸 Leaking, hissing, or popping sounds
🔸 Changes in color or shape

If you notice any of these, stop using or charging the device. If it's safe to do so, move it away from anything that can burn. If you see smoke or fire, get out and call 911.

Small action. Big impact.