Police apply for information sharing grant

Police incident logs are one step to becoming easier as the Carroll Valley Police Department gets Borough Council approval to apply for a special grant Sept. 14.

The U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Assistance Grant will provide for innovative policing strategies with a focus on information sharing, Carroll Valley Police Department Chief Richard Hileman said. The grant is over seen by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and all police agencies in Adams County were encouraged to apply, he said.

The grant would allow a crash reporting and notification module to be added to the police department’s records management application. This module would allow for more streamlined information sharing between the surrounding police departments. The module would automate the manual functions required at the scene of an incident and would expedite procedures as well as facilitate more data with less duplication, he said.

Module updates will make it easier to modify the crash notification system utilized by all surrounding police departments, Hileman said. The grant is for up to $60,000 with no match required, he said.

High-speed broadband update

Carroll Valley Borough Manager Dave Hazlett briefed the Borough Council on an agreement with Comcast to move forward with the high-speed broadband project to provide broadband to the D-Section of Carroll Valley.

The D-section of Carroll Valley is unserved by broadband and currently only utilizes DSL brought in by the telephone company, Assistant Borough Manager Gayle Mathers said.

The crucial need for reliable internet for work and school really became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project would utilize pandemic relief funding.

The next steps of the project are being discussed to see if Liberty Township is required to be part of the broadband agreement, Hazlett said.

Fairfield Fire Company prepares for 100th anniversary

Fairfield Fire and EMS welcomes the community for an open house in celebration of its 100th anniversary Oct. 10.

Since 1921, Fairfield Fire and EMS has served the surrounding area and looks forward to bringing in the community to learn about the station’s history and meet the emergency responders that make up that commitment for themselves, according to Bill Jacobs, Fairfield’s Fire Chief.

All ages are invited to come out to the Fairfield Fire Station for light refreshments, fire safety demonstrations, as well as up-close looks at fire equipment and station tours. "So people can see what we do," Bill Jacobs, fire chief said.

There will be a coloring contest for kindergarten through fourth grade, with winners from each grade getting to ride in the fire truck. Also in attendance will be Fountaindale Fire Company, celebrating their 75th anniversary, as well as Adams Regional EMS, local police departments, and Life Net Air helicopter.

Looking to provide a day that is connective as well as educational, information will be available about volunteering, including the station’s junior firefighter program. There are many different aspects of volunteering that don’t necessarily need to be fighting fires. Support is always needed fundraising and with other behind the scenes aspects that keep the department running for the community.

Fairfield Fire Station used to have open houses yearly, both in the Fall and Spring, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s was cancelled. The station is excited to now be able to celebrate such a milestone with the community that they are so dedicated to serving, Jacobs said.