Pacific Southern Railway Donates $7,000 to Rocky Hill EMT and Fire After Record Train Show Turnout

December 9, 2025

Nicholas Mistretta

ROCKY HILL — The Pacific Southern Railway will donate a total of $7,000 to Rocky Hill Fire and EMT services, following strong community support for the club’s annual Southern Pacific train show and open house, organizers announced.

James “Murr” Murray said the funds come from proceeds raised during the event, which drew nearly 1,500 visitors to Rocky Hill. The club formally presented two checks of $3,500 each to representatives of the borough’s emergency services at the Borough Council meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Checks were presented to Todd Harris and Marj Yuschak, recognizing the direct role first responders played in helping the event run smoothly and safely.

Pictured from left to right: Rich Batchelder, Rick Miller, Todd Harris, James Murray, Jeff Bernardis, and Marj Yuschak

“Nearly 1,500 people came to visit Rocky Hill, and a large part of how smooth the open house went was your help and support of Rocky Hill EMT and Fire,” the club said in its announcement.

The donation continues a growing tradition of pairing the popular model train showcase with tangible community reinvestment. The event has become a seasonal draw, welcoming families, train enthusiasts and visitors from across the region, while also generating financial support for local public safety.

Looking ahead, Murray said the club plans to expand its fundraising potential even further in 2026 by hosting two open house weekends — one in the spring and another ahead of the holidays.

The goal is to increase attendance and, in turn, grow the annual donation to Rocky Hill’s emergency services.

Murray and his wife, Melyssa, previously appeared as guests on Headline News Montgomery’s “The Post Cast” with Maryann Post on October 16, discussing community projects and local engagement. That interview can be seen here.

For Rocky Hill, the December donations underscore a clear theme of the season: a strong turnout, a successful event, and a meaningful reinvestment in the people who help keep the borough safe year-round.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com