Officer gains approval to participate in mock accident
SMITHFIELD – Borough council gave permission Tuesday for Officer Brian Harvey to participate in a mock vehicle accident at Albert Gallatin Area Senior High School in May. Eric Steinmiller, fire police captain with Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department, asked council for permission to allow Harvey to participate in the annual event, held annually near prom.
Steinmiller said the fire department and other emergency responders from several local agencies, including STAT MedEvac and the Fairchance fire and EMS departments, collaborate with the Fayette County Coroner’s Office and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to teach students the consequences of drinking and driving.
“It gives students an idea of what can happen,” Steinmiller said.
Steinmiller said Harvey will conduct a field sobriety test and make an arrest in front of the student body as part of the mock accident.
In unrelated matters, council agreed to form a committee that will look into purchasing a small dump truck for the borough.
Council said the current 13-ton dump truck is in bad shape and said purchasing a smaller truck that could fit through the alleys would be wise.
President Jack Frith and council members Kelli Ash and Jean Kennedy will serve on the committee.
Council said a 5-ton gasoline fueled dump truck would probably be sufficient for the borough’s needs.
In other business, council announced the next crime watch meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 12 in Smithfield Library, located in the borough building.
Mayor Chuck Cieszynski said the meeting will be ran by Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Randy Leech and will focus on fire safety.
As for other matters, Cieszynski reported borough police patrolled 524 miles during the month of February and responded to two vehicle accidents, two domestic incidents, one attempted break-in and one criminal mischief incident.
Police also issued nine traffic citations and gave five warning, he said.
Borough council will meet next at 6 p.m. April 17.