Freeport, Gilpin mull combined police force; no decision made

Freeport and Gilpin officials are considering the idea of merging police departments.

No decisions were made at a recent meeting, where both municipalities were represented by three officials.

Among the pros and cons discussed was 24-hour coverage for both communities, led by eight full-time officers.

Already, Chris Fabec serves as chief for both existing departments.

Mutual aid agreements with neighboring municipalities would remain in effect should a merger go through.

Officers would stay in their respective municipalities for each shift, except the midnight shift, when officers would rotate between the two areas at unpredictable intervals to avoid criminals detecting a pattern.

Officials said it would take 13 minutes for an officer patrolling the farthest geographical area of Gilpin to reach Freeport.

Freeport Council President Clint Warnock said a merger would save Freeport $25,000 per year. The borough currently budgets $218,000 for police services — $100,000 to pay two full-time officers and $50,000 to cover part-timers. The remaining $68,000 is for related expenses.

Under a merger, Gilpin would provide 60% of costs ($290,000), and Freeport would pay for 40% ($193,000).

Gilpin Supervisor Chairman Charles Stull said from his own observation and research, a merger’s pros outweigh the cons. The merger could save the township an estimated $30,000 to $50,000 a year, he said.

“It gives us more resources available for residents in the township,” he said.

Stull said supervisors met with the Evans City/Seven Fields Regional Police Department to gain insight on how a merger worked out for them. He said from speaking with the department, there were only positives that came out of their merger.

“They have not found response time to be an issue,” Stull said. “They can provide responses to the community.”

The Gilpin supervisors plan to give a presentation during their meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 on what the merger could look like if the proposal goes through.

Warnock said he would like to avoid a repeat of a situation last year where both full-time officers left the force, leaving the borough with only state police handling patrols. State troopers from the Kittanning-area station have a coverage area so large that it sometimes takes them 45 minutes to reach Freeport.

In other action Monday, Freeport Council accepted the resignation of Officer Zachary Byers. Officials said Byers is seeking a position outside of police work.

Council also terminated Officer Dalton Vanwhy. Mayor James Swartz Jr. said there was an availability issue for Vanwhy.

Council hired Dante Martinez as a full-time officer at a starting rate of $21 per hour. Martinez formerly worked in Johnstown.