Cabot Oil and Gas, like all companies with whom we work, strives to be a good neighbor.  Cabot and others have supported many causes, documented here.  This year, and last, however, they donated $25,000 to institutions that virtually define rural communities – volunteer fire companies.

Cabot Oil and Gas presented a $25,000 donation to local volunteer fire departments at the annual Christmas Parade in Montrose, Pennsylvania this past Saturday.  It was another in a long line of examples where natural gas companies operating in our region have reached out to be part of the communities where they operate.  Doing so is one of the factors that has resulted in so much support for natural gas development throughout the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.  It’s also made their New York State neighbors envious.

Each year, starting last year, Cabot chooses three different fire departments to which to donate. The $25,000 is split up between whichever departments they chose. Last year Cabot Oil and Gas chose to donate the $25,000 to Elk Lake Volunteer Fire Company, Springville Fire Department (great video), and the United Fire Company of Montrose.  This year Cabot has donated the $25,000 to the Forest Lake Volunteer Fire Company, the Harford Volunteer Fire Company, and the Hop Bottom Hose Company.

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Cabot Oil and Gas

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The volunteer fire companies receiving the donations are asked to either use it for purchasing new equipment or use it to repair old equipment.  The Forest Lake Volunteer Fire Company decided they are planning on fixing radio equipment to better their communication system within the community and among their volunteers. This radio equipment will help the fire company communicate between each other and, without the donation from Cabot Oil & Gas, they could not afford to fix it themselves.

The Harford Fire Department is planning on fixing a damaged fire truck and they also hope to purchase a new Jaws of Life system.  Just as in the case with Forest Lake, this would not be possible without the help of Cabot Oil & Gas. Fixing their fire truck is extremely important because it means there will be one more truck available to answer any calls they receive and this is critical when multiple calls arrive at once or there is a major fire.  Adding a new Jaws of Life also means the fire company has the resources needed to save a life whenever a highway accident occurs and someone is trapped.

The final fire department Cabot donated to this year was the Hop Bottom Hose Company. They are still unsure exactly what they will do with the donation money but certainly are thankful for it and will probably be servicing or upgrading their vehicles.

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Cabot Oil & Gas believes it is essential to be active within the communities they serve.  They are just one example of the way  natural gas companies within our region are giving back; working hand in hand with community institutions and addressing their specific needs.  Most of their employees are local residents, after all.  Cabot and its partners have made several donations in the past, including the major funding for a local hospital, and they plan to continue on donating each year, as do other gas companies.