March 14--WEST HAZLETON, PA-- Borough council members publicly voiced support for fire department personnel who are overseeing day-to-day operations, but pledged to weed out a "few rotten apples" as police continue investigating some $54,000 in fireman's relief association expenses.
While speaking to a small group of firefighters who attended a council meeting Tuesday, Council President Lou Pacelli publicly recognized the department for its dedication to the community and assured them that council will maintain a good working relationship with the department.
"We have a lot of good firemen in our community -- the best," Pacelli said. "I've seen them in action. They're very professional. There's a few rotten apples in the barrel we have to weed out but, once that's taken care of, our fire department is going to work rather well. Keep up the good work. Let us worry about the rotten apples and we'll work together well."
The firefighters responded with a collective, "Thank you."
Less than a week ago, borough police and state troopers took documents, computerized records and computers while serving a search warrant at the South Fourth Street fire station.
"We are taking any financial records, computers, anything related to financial improprieties of the fire company," borough police Chief Brian Buglio said at the time.
A week prior to serving the warrant at the fire station, police retrieved records of the West Hazleton Volunteer Fire Company, the fire company relief association and the fire department.
In late February, council appointed Robert Ward as borough fire department chief after Shawn Evans resigned as chief of both the fire department and fire company. Evans has said he left for medical reasons, not because of the police probe.
Pacelli was the first member of council to speak about the status of the fire department investigation since police searched the fire station.
Councilman Gerald Grink said he echoed Pacelli's sentiments while Councilman Henry Kreisl -- who oversees council's fire committee -- commended firefighters for working to protect the borough under difficult circumstances.
"Even with the couple problems that they're working through at the fire department, they've been responding to all their calls," Kreisl said. "The people that are running that department on a day-to-day basis are doing a fantastic job. It's hard to take heat over a couple of things that might have happened -- or not happened -- and still do your job with pride and keep your head high. My hat's off to you guys. You do a good job and we appreciate you putting the borough first."
A compliance audit of the West Hazleton Fire Company Fireman's Relief Association conducted by the state Auditor General's office contained findings regarding undocumented expenditures, transfer of funds, signatures required for disbursing funds and the association's failure to maintain an accurate equipment roster.
Before speaking in support of the department, council members voted unanimously to pay $1,200 for 10 firefighters to attend a training program offered through Bucks County Community College.
Firefighters who successfully complete the program will receive certification. Classes will be hosted locally.
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