Police: South Greensburg councilman cited in fireworks incident

State police investigating a weekend fireworks complaint in South Greensburg found a borough councilman was present while numerous children set off explosives, according to a investigators.

Troopers said multiple neighbors reported the fireworks were being set off on Oak Street at 11 p.m. Saturday. Police asked those present, including George Cole, 53, to stop.

That’s when police said Cole became belligerent, uncooperative and “advised me that he was my boss because of his title as a councilman of the Borough of South Greensburg,” Trooper Hannah Huber wrote in a news release.

Cole was cited Tuesday with disorderly conduct. He could not be reached for comment.

Fireworks complaints and sales have soared as many communities canceled Fourth of July festivities because of restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Officials in some communities, including South Greensburg, took to social media ahead of the holiday to remind residents that fireworks are illegal within 150 feet of any building or vehicle or on public property without permission.

Mayor Kevin Fajt said he was aware of the incident and didn’t condone anyone acting disrespectfully toward law enforcement, “and especially not a councilman.”

“As members of of council, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard and that wasn’t adhered to in this situation,” Fajt said. “I apologize to PSP Greensburg for the actions of our councilman and his actions are in no way, shape or form reflective of how our residents or council treat law enforcement.”

The citation will be mailed by summons. He faces a $100 fine plus costs.