(3/25) Liberty Township Police Department will keep its residents safe from the sky.
During their March meeting, township supervisors unanimously approved commissioning a helicopter known as Liberty 1. The copter will be owned and operated by Tripwire South, a company specializing in equipment and training for first responders. Tripwire South is owned by Liberty Township Police Sgt. Ryan Morris. The sergeant said Tripwire is donating the use of the copter, but he expects the township to help him seek federal grants to cover costs. He recently met with Senator John Fetterman to discuss funding options.
"I think this type of public/private partnership is the right way to go about this," Supervisor Chris Hill said.
The helicopter will be equipped with specialized light systems to detect people when performing search and rescue options. Morris said the helicopter cost $1 million and the camera systems totaled $350,000. Tripwire is also providing the required liability insurance coverage.
Police Chief Terry DeWitt endorsed the helicopter proposal. It is currently housed in Carroll County, Maryland, but Morris said it will soon be stationed in Mount Joy Township, Adams County. DeWitt said he expects it to have a 15-minute response time. During a recent incident at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, Pennsylvania State Police took about two hours to respond with its helicopter, DeWitt said.
Supervisor Chairman Walter "Mickey" Barlow said the helicopter will be outfitted with Liberty’s logos and colors, but the township will make it available to any Adams County police department.
Similarly, Barlow said the Fairfield Emergency Management Agency seeks volunteers to assist police during search and rescue operations. Interested citizens should call the township office at 717-642-3780.
Bridge Troubles
The Old Waynesboro Bridge is failing but township supervisors are hitting dead ends when they try to fix it.
Barlow, who serves as township roadmaster, said state officials inspect the bridge every two years and share a list of recommended repairs. Last year, the township released three requests for proposals for the work and received no responses. One contractor told Barlow the job was too small for his firm.
Barlow said he asked Adams County officials to include the bridge on their RFP for bridge work with the understanding that Liberty would reimburse the county. County officials declined the proposal, stating they would have to open the option to all municipalities.
Barlow then pleaded with Rep. Dan Moul for guidance but received no answers as of the March 10 meeting.
