FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2023
Contact: Debbie Bitting, dbitting@pml.org, 717-236-9469, ext. *223
Statement by: Mayor Michael Lombardo, League President, Mayor, City of Pittston and Amanda Serock, APMM President, Manager, Concord Township Regarding the Explosion and Fire that Occurred in Plum Borough
Recently, a horrific explosion and fire occurred in Plum Borough destroying homes in a quiet neighborhood, causing injuries and – unfortunately – taking the lives of five people, including the borough’s Community Development Director Heather Oravitz and the Municipal Manager Mike Thomas.
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management, we want to express our heartfelt sympathies to the families impacted and to the whole community. As local officials, Mike and Heather worked diligently and thoughtfully to serve the needs of residents and visitors alike. Their dedication to the community has had a positive and immeasurable impact and will certainly be cherished by many for years to come.
Communities across Pennsylvania, from larger cities to townships and boroughs of all sizes, and their local leaders, offer whatever assistance we can to the Plum community. As municipal organizations, we will continue to offer any help or support from our members throughout the Commonwealth. According to Plum Borough officials, contributions for the Thomas family may be sent directly to Jacqueline Thomas:
Angel in Da Skys
c/0 Jaqueline Thomas
15 Firwood Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
For more information contact Jim Dreano, Human Resource Coordinator, Plum Borough (412) 795-6800 Ext 4209 or jdeano@plumboro.com
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The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, The League represents Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, and home rule communities that all share their municipal policy interests. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more information, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on Twitter @PAMunicipalLeag and facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague – #StrengthThroughEngagement.