Jan 11, 2005 By Jenny Susa 2 min read

NEWELL – Newell Mayor Nicki Todaro told the borough council Monday that the Southwest Regional Police Department has added another borough to their force. “We picked up Long Branch as another borough that will be covered by the Southwest Regional Police,” said Todaro.

The police department started when Belle Vernon and Newell worked together to form a joint police force, and since the force began early last year they have been looking for other boroughs to join as well.

“It’s good for everyone that the department is expanding,” said President James Livingstone.

The council also agreed to add fire hydrants to areas in the borough that need more fire protection.

“There are areas where the fire company does not have enough hose to reach all the houses,” said Vice President Joseph Dandrea, also fire chief of the Newell Volunteer Fire Company.

The council voted to pay $92 to the water authority for the rental of two hydrants. One will be placed Fayette Street, and one will be placed on the corner of Curcio Drive and Morgantown Street Extension

“There should be protection (for every home) whether it’s a 100-year-old house or a 100-day-old house,” Livingstone said.

In another matter, Councilman Tom Sheehan resigned from his position, leaving a vacant seat on the council. The board is accepting letters of interest for the position.

In other business, the council discussed possible locations for a storage shed where they could store salt for the winter.

“This summer we need to start thinking about a building,” said Livingstone. “We should be able to have at least 60 percent of what our order is stored up. Hopefully, we won’t need it but it is better to be prepared.”