Senator Baker

@luzernecommunitycollege once again held its 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. We paused to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania on that tragic day, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. All of the heroes who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay. 🇺🇸

It was a privilege to host retired NYPD homicide task force detective and current WILK Newsradio personality Rob O’Donnell as our Senate guest chaplain on the eve of #remembranceday. Rob was involved in 9/11 response and recovery efforts as well as the 93 World Trade Center bombing. He offered a heartfelt and inspiring prayer in memory of those lost and a message of hope for the future of our commonwealth and country in these increasingly divisive times. He also shared an autographed copy of an extremely poignant photo he captured at Ground Zero on September 13, 2001. #neverforget

Congratulations to Lieutenant Colonel William J. Dunn, Jr., on his recent promotion. Since 2007, Lieutenant Colonel Dunn has served our commonwealth and country with distinction while deployed with the @usarmy and in the @nationalguard @us.nationalguard @panationalguard

He has served in key legal and leadership roles at home and abroad, including deployments with Task Force Spartan in the Middle East theater of operations, in support of NATO exercises in Europe, and throughout multiple domestic disaster relief efforts. He is currently the Deputy Chief of the Army National Guard Trial Defense Service where he assists in overseeing defense council services for Army National Guard personnel across 54 states and territories. His career reflects not only a commitment to justice and service, but also the strength and dedication of Pennsylvania`s citizen-soldiers. We thank him, his wife Jennifer, and sons Aiden and Liam for their continued sacrifice and service.

Blessing the Nanticoke City Fire Department’s brand new “Truck 1” and praying for protection for the members of Nanticoke Firefighters IAFF Local 2655 as they endeavor to save lives and property. 🙏🏻🚒🙏🏻

Opening night @luzernecountyfair - four more days to enjoy all of the delicious food, rides, live entertainment, and fun-filled shows for all ages! #countyfair #agriculture #familyfun

It’s perfect weather for checking out the amazing attractions at the @wyomingctyfair ☀️🐄 🎡🍦

Students at Wilkes-Barre CTC are gaining hands-on workforce experience while helping their community through the @fooddignitymovement student-run food hub. I recently took a tour to learn more about how the program connects local farms directly with neighbors in need, teaching students valuable career skills and the importance of community service.

PSP Troop P Camp Cadet is a one-week law enforcement experience for young men & women. I was honored to stop by & speak about public service & civic responsibility as cadets devoted a day to exploring “The Role of Elected Officials in our Communities.” It was inspiring to see the next generation of leaders learning how they can make a difference in the world! #campcadet

The @harfordfair is an annual celebration of our rural heritage showcasing Susquehanna County`s agricultural community. If you missed this one, there are still a few left in the 20th SD:

@gdsfair71 8/22 - 8/31
@wyomingctyfair 8/27 - 9/1
@luzernecountyfair 9/3 - 9/7

#seeyouatthefair #cultivatingfuturegenerations

Responders from Milford Fire Department & EMS Station 33, Westfall Township Fire Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Milford Borough Police Department acted with remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of a dangerous and volatile situation involving both a structure fire and a violent suspect in Milford Township on April 26, 2024. Their swift, coordinated actions helped ensure the suspect was taken into custody, safeguarded the public and preserved the scene for investigators.

I was honored to join the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Blooming Grove, Rep. Joe Olsommer and the Pike County Commissioners in recognizing them for their extraordinary efforts. While the day brought tragedy with the loss of victim Margie Susie Finlay, these men and women demonstrated the highest standards of public service and a steadfast commitment to protecting our community. Their bravery will not be forgotten.

Working with local leaders, we are making steady progress toward the planned micro-hospital in Pike County.

@repolsommer and I have been advocating for state funding and were proud to announce a $500,000 grant has been secured to make this long-needed facility a reality. This funding marks a critical step toward improving access to emergency and inpatient care for residents who have had to travel outside the county for essential medical services.

I was pleased to take part in National Night Out celebrations in both Newport Township and @dallastownship on August 5th. These gatherings are a great way to bring neighbors and law enforcement together to strengthen community ties and promote public safety.

It was inspiring to see families engaging with all of our emergency responders, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make these events a success. Building strong, safe communities starts with these kinds of connections. #nationalnightout

It`s that time of year again - kicking of the county fair season with @reprosemarybrown at the 163rd @waynecofairpa a family tradition where farm meets food and fun! #waynecountyfairpa

I was glad to take part in a recent economic development forum hosted by the @pachamber and @luzernecommunitycollege that brought together business leaders, local officials and fellow legislators to focus on ways we can strengthen NEPA’s competitiveness through tax and permitting reform, energy independence and workforce development. I shared my perspective on how state policies can better support local needs and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to drive sustainable growth across our region.

Caroline Stallard has excelled as my intern this summer, helping constituents navigate state government and working to improve outreach efforts. This @commonwealthupa @bloomsburgu student brings an impressive blend of academic focus, creative talent and a heart for service. A gifted artist, one of her paintings, donated for a charity event several years ago, hangs in our office. We’re glad to give her a closer look at the legislative process in action! #nationalinternday

Alvin Cragle was honored following his retirement from Lehman Township, Luzerne County, after 47 years of dedicated service as secretary/treasurer.

In addition to his extraordinary commitment to good government, he has also proven himself to be an outstanding citizen spearheading numerous community endeavors and contributing to several neighborhood projects.

Sgt. Joseph J. Drake of Hawley served in the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion and is one of only five surviving WWII Army Rangers who were recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. These volunteers played a significant role during key operations across various theaters including on D-Day at Pointe du Hoc and in taking Hill 400 in the Hurtgen Forest.

We held a small party in his honor to express our gratitude for his heroism and patriotism.

#veterans #wwii #armyrangers #dday #centenarian

Congrats to the W-B Law and Library/Luzerne County Bar Association on 175 years! As chair of the #pasenate Judiciary Committee, I have the opportunity to pursue real reform in the right way - bipartisan work, with input from and consultation with all the parties involved in our system.