Rex Energy donated $5,000 to the Meridian Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of natural gas detectors. From left are fire Chief Toby Wehr, Derek Smith, and Patrick McKinney, both of Rex Energy.

MERIDIAN — Rex Energy donated $5,000 to the Meridian Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of natural gas detectors.

These are hand held detectors that will help firefighters detect leaks, said Patrick Creighton, a Rex Energy spokesman.

Meridian Chief Toby Wehr said the department’s older detectors had become expensive to maintain.

The new detectors, made by MSA based in Cranberry Township, were on the department’s wish list.

“Rex Energy paying for them was a big help and greatly appreciated,” Wehr said. “The new detectors can detect natural gas and carbon monoxide, and will be helpful when investigating weird smells.”

Rex Energy is a State College-based Marcellus Shale natural gas exploration and drilling company that has concentrated its business in Butler County the past three years. The company has prepared a site for a Marcellus Shale well on Meridian Road, which is Butler Township’s first well.

The Meridian Volunteer Fire Department has about 40 volunteers.