Senator Baker

Lt. Col. William J. Dunn, Jr., of Luzerne County opened today`s Senate session offering words of faith as our guest chaplain.

We often speak of a commitment to justice and service. Lt. Col. Dunn embodies those traits. His record is a lengthy one of deployment in the Middle East and Europe, assisting in domestic disaster relief efforts, and currently overseeing defense counsel services for personnel in 54 states and territories. He is a good family man who contributes to protecting our state and nation.

The Spirit of Hope Celebration is a wonderful demonstration of community commitment to a worthy cause. It is more vital than ever for us to support the crucial work of health care stalwarts such as @neregionalcancerinstitute

Congratulations to Tribute to Courage honoree @slickbaum and his family. Our area is blessed to be home to so many men and women who have served our nation with honor and distinction. Few have assembled John’s sterling credentials. His demonstrated commitment to fighting cancer is impressive. His example of leadership and contribution inspires us all. #soaringhigher

Finley and Winnie helped celebrate our nation’s heroes at the 80th Annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade. Thank you to all of the volunteers who work so hard each year to ensure our community continues to honor those who serve. 🇺🇸

Joining @senatorculver and @repryncavage in celebrating Wright Township Police Department Chief Royce Engler’s 47 years of public service and wishing him all the best in his retirement!

The rotunda was packed as @aicup_nonprofit mascots charged into the Capitol, including Archie McGrowl with the @misericordiau Cougars.

@repfritz and I also got to see Dan Pahls of Wayne County, who was in town with the PA Orthotic Prosthetic Society and @soeverybodycanmove advocating for insurance coverage and participating in Disability Awareness Day.

I was honored to welcome Luzerne County native Fr. Brian Van Fossen as the guest chaplain to the Senate today. His extensive service to our communities reflects both his deep faith and dedication to guiding others. He was joined by his family from Boiling Springs, the Pulizzi`s.

There are many athletes who travel to Harrisburg as ambassadors for their sport, but today was especially exciting as the Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball team paid a visit & presented me with a signed ball. We are proud to have such an amazing group of competitors representing our community! #littleleague #challengerbaseball #communityandinclusion

Kicking off #breastcancerawarenessmonth at the state Capitol by turning the fountain pink
and showing our support for those affected. #rocktheribbon #pinktober

Pike County officials held a Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Milford as both a remembrance for those who have given their lives in the line of duty and a prayer for the continued safety of those who still serve in law enforcement, fire, EMS and other emergency roles. #bluemass #firstresponders #publicsafety

The Boundless Playground at Dallas Intermediate isn’t just another playground. It’s a space designed so every child can play, grow & thrive regardless of their abilities. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this project to life!

Nicholson Borough is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year! As we honor Nicholson’s past, we also look forward to its continued growth and success. I wish the residents the very best as they preserve the borough’s heritage while shaping its bright future.

Community leaders, neighbors & friends gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new @wayne_bank branch in Forty Fort. The modern facility not only provides banking services but also represents a commitment to building strong, personal relationships with customers.

Dawn Pentecost and Attorney Peter Ritenburg were selected as recipients of the 2025 Forest City Distinguished Citizen Awards. Each are leaders in their communities and role models worthy of emulation.

As a special surprise, John Kameen was also presented with the Extraordinary Citizen Award - an exclusive honor given in gratitude for his unwavering commitment to his hometown. A true pillar of the community, John has served the region through decades of business leadership, local government service and tireless volunteerism. His many contributions have left a lasting mark, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to his exceptional dedication. #forestcitypa #trailtown #communityservice

@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