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West Chester council and residents praise first responders, highlight community events and food support needs
Summary
Residents and councilmembers thanked West Chester first responders after a rooftop shooting incident; councilmembers also promoted upcoming events (Porch Fest, Safe Harbor open house), noted mental-health staffing, and urged support for local food assistance programs.
Residents and councilmembers used the meeting’s comment and council-report sections to thank the West Chester Police Department and other first responders for their response to a Sunday incident on Church Street in which a young man reportedly fired at officers and then fled across rooftops before surrendering.
Lisa Kearns, introduced as a resident of West Biddle Street, told the council she had “deep gratitude to the West Chester Police Department and the and our first responders,” describing how officers defused a “very potentially tragic situation” and noting one officer suffered a slight injury after a fall during the incident. Councilmembers echoed Kearns’s praise for the department’s training and courage.
Councilmembers also used the time for community announcements: Councilmember McGinnis promoted Porch Fest on May 17, noting it will be concentrated in the Third Ward. A councilmember highlighted National Volunteer Week and urged residents to consider volunteer opportunities; Safe Harbor, a local nonprofit, announced an open house and breakfast on May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Council remarks acknowledged local restaurants and the community’s help in supporting the Chester County Food Bank and the West Chester Food Cupboard after funding shortfalls for some nonprofits.
Additional council comments included thanks from leaders for a donated canine armor vest reported in a public safety meeting and a reminder that a borough social worker position is arriving to help address rising mental-health needs in contact with first responders.
Councilmembers and resident speakers encouraged residents to support local charities and businesses that are aiding food distribution and to attend upcoming events.
