Air Products and Chemicals of Hometown recently donated an electric intake valve to the Tamaqua Fire Department for use on its aerial fire truck.

According to Tamaqua Fire Chief, Tom Hartz, Jr., the valve will allow the department to control the flow of water to the aerial directly, more safely and quicker than it currently can."This is a big help to the borough and to the fire department," Hartz said.Brian Connely, chairman of the borough's public safety committee, said that the item has been on the department's wish list for several years.Tom Cara, an Air Products employee and Tamaqua borough councilman, was able to help coordinate the donation.Karl Nolte, the Hometown facility manager, said that the company looks to support the community in any way that it can."So many of our employees live in the Tamaqua area. You always hope that this kind of device is never needed, but it's good to know that it's there if it is needed," Nolte said.