Nov 4, 2002 By J.S. Augustine For The 2 min read

LUZERNE TWP. – A new regulation would give township officials more administrative control over fire departments within the municipality. The township’s Office of Emergency Management met recently to discuss a new emergency administration services ordinance, currently in draft form.

“The reason for this ordinance is mainly for insurance purposes,” said DJ Angelone, director of emergency management for the township.

“A lot of information was not being filed on time, and that was delaying the township secretary. This ordinance will help her out,” added Angelone.

According to Angelone, additional information that must be supplied by a select date, as part of the ordinance, are complete lists of active members, equipment inventory, injuries in the line of duty, accidents involving emergency vehicles and planned community activities.

“If there’s an infraction or an enforcement of the ordinance is called for, actions will be taken at the discretion of the board of supervisors, not the office of emergency management,” said Angelone.

“But, I don’t foresee any infraction or enforcement of the ordinance.”

Angelone noted that the five fire departments within the township seem very receptive to the proposed ordinance and will comply with it.

Township solicitor Jack Purcell is reviewing the draft of the new ordinance.

Elsewhere, the office is looking for volunteers on the administrative end of emergency management.

“We are looking for individuals to do basic administrative work, who will help coordinate activities planned through our office,” said Angelone.

Also at the meeting, Bill Baker, chairman of the board of supervisors, swore in the following new officers: assistant director, Robert Miller; deputy directors, Michael Hampe and James Harvey; media relations officer, Tanya Capuzzi; emergency management assistant staff member, Anthony Capuzzi; and staff assistant, Sharon Mehalik.