LENDING A HAND — Representatives of Expand Energy visited the Brooke County Ambulance Station on Tuesday to present a $20,000 donation to the county’s emergency management agency. On hand for the presentation were, from left, Matt Boggs, D.J. Kaylor and Chris Flanagan, all of Expand Energy; Brooke County EMA Director Greg Moore, Brooke County Deputy EMA Director Mike Loboric and Stephanie Paluda of Expand Energy; and back, Trent Schutz, Trevor Beck, Kris Osecky and Shawn Jackson, all of Expand Energy. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Emergency Management Agency has received a boost from a natural gas company operating in this region.

Representatives of Expand Energy, formerly Southwestern Energy, visited the Brooke County Ambulance Station Tuesday to present a $20,000 donation to the county agency.

Brooke County EMA Director Greg Moore said the agency has received a donation of about $20,000 in each of the last five years, and the funding may be used for vehicles, equipment and training.

He said last year’s donation helped the Brooke County EMA to purchase, through a state contract, a 2025 Ford Explorer used by him or Deputy EMA Director Mike Loboric in coordinating responses to widespread fires, spills and other emergencies.

Moore said the Brooke County agency maintains communications with Expand about emergencies that may involve local natural gas wells.

“We’re grateful for supporters like Expand Energy that help support our efforts. We share the common goal of creating a secure and thriving community, so we are proud to partner with them,” he said.

Stephanie Paluda, community affairs manager for Expand Energy, said $20,000 donations also were made by the company to the emergency management agencies of Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties in West Virginia and Guernsey and Monroe counties in Ohio.

She added a $6,000 donation also was made to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, which provides financial support to 24 nonprofit organizations serving residents of the Northern Panhandle in various ways.

“At Expand Energy, safety is not just a priority — it’s a responsibility we take seriously. By directly supporting local emergency response teams, we ensure that the communities we call home are always prepared and protected. Our mission is simple: to be a good neighbor. By investing in safety, we strengthen the foundation of our shared community,” said Paluda.