Latest news with #AlarmTech
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Berks company providing free smoke alarms in community stricken by fire tragedies
A Reading company that describes itself as a one-stop shop for commercial and residential security system installation has launched an initiative to provide free smoke detectors to residents of Robeson Township, the location of two recent home fire tragedies. Alarm Tech will supply and help distribute smoke detectors to households across Robeson Township with the help of the Gibraltar and Geigertown fire companies as part of the Safe Homes, Safe Families initiative, the company announced this week. The two volunteer fire companies provide primary fire protection in Robeson, where five people died as a result of two predawn fires less than three weeks apart in April. On April 9, a 34-year-old woman and her father were unable to escape a fire in the middle of the night that was linked to a wood-burning stove. No working smoke detectors were found in the home, fire officials said. The second fire, on April 28, claimed the lives of a 54-year-old man and his parents who were unable to get out despite smoke alarms activating, fire officials said. Alarm Tech, a family-owned company, has deep ties to that community. 'As a company built by Robeson Township residents, the recent events in our community have hit incredibly close to home,' Richard Fix, owner of Alarm Tech and a retired assistant chief of Gibraltar Fire Company located in the township, said in the announcement. 'This initiative is our way of giving back and doing what we do best — protecting families through proactive fire safety and education.' The initiative is open to all residents of Robeson Township and may expand throughout Berks County soon, the company said. Residents can sign up by filling out a short form online. Detector distribution will begin in coordination with local fire companies, with scheduled pick-up dates to be announced soon. For more information or to request a detector, visit With three divisions — Alarm Tech Systems, Alarm Tech Suppression and Alarm Tech Sprinkler — the company can design, install, maintain, inspect and monitor fire alarm, security, sprinkler and suppression systems. Geigertown Fire Company Chief Scott Gullo said Alarm Tech's initiative is most welcome. Since the fires, he said, the fire company has been having internal discussions about launching its own initiative that would provide free services to homeowners, especially those unable to install smoke detectors, to ensure every home has working smoke alarms. The details of the program, which would piggyback on Safe Homes, Safe Families, are still being worked out, he said. In the meantime, the fire company will work with Alarm Tech to arrange one or more dates for residents to pick up free alarms.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Primary election 2025: 3 compete for 2 spots on Robeson Township board
Three candidates are competing for the Republican nomination to fill two seats on the Robeson Township Board of Supervisors. Nicole Rosella, Margaret Jean Fix and Harold Steve Jr. are running to represent the township in the May 20 primary. Supervisors serve six-year terms. We asked the candidates to respond to a question. Question: Name a single problem facing the municipality you are running to represent and how you would address that issue if elected. Nicole Rosella Nicole Rosella Occupation: Rosella is a sales and marketing director. Age: 41. Response: I am running for Robeson Township supervisor because I believe in the importance of preserving our community's land and natural resources. Responsible development is essential, and I am committed to limiting unnecessary construction that threatens our environment and the character of our township. As our community continues to grow, we must ensure that development aligns with our residents' values and needs. Additionally, I aim to prevent unnecessary tax increases that burden our families and local businesses. Fiscal responsibility is a priority, and I will work diligently to manage our township's budget effectively, ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely. Most importantly, I wholeheartedly support our Robeson Police Department. A strong police force is vital for maintaining safety and security in our community. I will advocate for the resources and support our officers need to serve and protect us effectively. By focusing on these key areas — land preservation, fiscal responsibility and strong support for law enforcement — I believe we can create a vibrant, safe and sustainable future for Robeson Township. Together, we can make decisions that honor our past while building a brighter future. I humbly ask for your support in this important endeavor. Margaret Jean Fix Margaret Jean Fix Occupation: Fix is director of marketing and administration at Alarm Tech. Age: 27. Response: To me, the most important thing isn't just one issue — it's the tie between transparency, teamwork and fiscal responsibility. Too often, decisions are made without clear communication to residents, internal divisions can slow progress on important issues, and spending does not always reflect smart use of taxpayer dollars. If elected, I will prioritize open communication and collaboration by increasing public access to information — posting meeting agendas, budgets and key decisions online in a timely and easy to understand format. I believe transparency means making government accessible to everyone, whether they can attend meetings in person or not. I'll also work to foster a culture of respect among board members, township staff and residents. I'm a young resident who, like many others in Robeson Township, plans to be here for life. My family has lived in this community for six generations, and I'm proud to continue that tradition. The decisions being made today aren't just short term, they'll impact all of us for years to come. When transparency, teamwork and fiscal responsibility are aligned, we can face any challenge head-on and make real progress for the people of Robeson Township. Harold Steve Jr. Harold Steve Jr. Occupation: Steve is an instructor at Berks Career and Technology Center. Age: 68. Response: There is no one answer to this question. There has been a lack of transparency when it comes to the township finances, from one meeting to the next issues linger and reappear time and again with no solution in sight.
