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Council reviews emergency services reports, EOP update and praises responders after lifesaving rescue
Summary
Council heard monthly emergency-services call statistics, received an update that the borough is finalizing its Emergency Operations Plan and emergency "norm," and honored first responders after a resident’s choking incident; staff also discussed AEDs, CPR training and radio upgrades.
The Borough of New Freedom council received monthly reports from fire and emergency medical services, discussed updates to the borough Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and “norm,” and heard public appreciation for a successful lifesaving response in August.
Fire and EMS call statistics for July and August were reported at the start of the meeting: July totals included 53 calls (38 fire, 9 EMS, 5 fire/police responses) and an average turnout time of roughly 2 minutes 27 seconds; August totaled 56 calls (36 fire, 16 EMS, 4 fire/police responses) with a reported improved turnout time of 1 minute 47 seconds. Council members noted the borough’s ambulance and chase-truck capacity helped reduce missed calls; several members praised Officer Hansen and other responders for recent actions that recovered stolen property, executed search warrants and addressed anonymous threats.
Mayor Moore Freeman and Manager Andrew Schaeffer said borough staff are finalizing a revised EOP and a separate operational “norm” that lists responsibilities by position; the EOP is being updated annually and the norm contains contact information and position-based assignments for emergency response. Staff noted the borough has AEDs placed at the community center, senior center and wastewater plant and that EMS/fire offer regular CPR and AED training for residents.
A public letter from Donna Peeler thanking emergency responders for saving her life after a choking incident was read into the record; council members praised the quick actions of police and EMS personnel. Staff also reported radio/walkie-talkie upgrades, and council discussed mutual-aid and county-wide coordination, including plans to inventory residents who need assistance (for example, oxygen-dependent households) and to include outreach in the borough newsletter so residents can register for help during an emergency.
Councilors asked staff to confirm the currency of special-needs lists used by emergency services and to continue coordination with county EMA on equipment, training and sheltering protocols.
