Charleroi officials commend ongoing collaborations

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Charleroi is embracing the new year by ensuring future collaboration among several borough entities.
During the first business meeting of 2020 on Wednesday, Charleroi fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer Robert Whiten Jr. gave a yearly report for the fire department, which responded to a total of 478 calls last year – about 80 more than 2018.
Whiten said an incident earlier Wednesday in the borough shows how well the departments are working together.
Police Lt. Mike Polinski said Wednesday afternoon a motorist struck a telephone pole in the borough and fled the scene.
“Even just today we helped the police search for a suspect when that pole was hit,” Whiten said. “I am so glad the last few years we have worked so well with the police. Like I said, we have our differences, but are working together and it is great.”
Whiten said years ago, the police and fire departments “hated” each other.
“But that’s not the case anymore,” he said. “We have been working great together. If they need something, they can call us and Matt (Prentice) will bring down a piece of equipment. Today we helped look for that man or woman driving that car and it worked out real good.”

(See the video from tonight’s meeting on our website at www.monvalleyindependent.com)

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