Contributed COOPERATIVE LEARNING – Representatives of several area emergency management organizations were in Wheeling last week, visiting the offices of Expand Energy, as well as an active drilling site for the natural gas company, to learn more about the operations and ways to respond to incidents on natural gas sites. Each agency was presented with a donation of $20,000 to assist with training, equipment and other needs.

WHEELING — Representatives of emergency management organizations from across the Ohio Valley visited the offices of Expand Energy June 3 as part of a collaborative event allowing area first responders to get a better understanding of the natural gas company’s operations.

The company also took the opportunity to show its support of the local agencies, with a donation of $120,000 to be divided among the six organizations taking part.

“These agencies are on the front lines of protecting our communities every day,” said Stephanie Paluda, community affairs manager at Expand Energy. “We are proud to partner with and support their critical work. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure the safety of our employees, our neighbors, and the region as a whole.”

During the event, attendees participated in an overview of Expand Energy’s operational practices, safety protocols, and emergency response procedures. The group also toured an active drilling rig location, offering a firsthand look at field operations.

Each county agency – Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Monroe EMA’s and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – received $20,000 to help enhance equipment, training, and preparedness efforts.

These funds were raised during Expand Energy’s 2025 charity clay shoot, hosted in partnership with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.