Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published February 7, 2024 11:59 P.M.

(Freedom, Pa) At the Freedom Borough Council meeting Wednesday evening, the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department was questioned by Council on their compliance with state regulations. The Borough was recently sent a letter that allegedly suggested the Department was out of compliance and did not have proper training. The letter was said to be sent by a disgruntled former member of the department.

According to Council, their questioning and investigation of the department was done as a precautionary measure. Councilwoman Syndey Eckman led the discussion as her and other members of Council had numerous questions prepared for the fire department members who were in attendance as well as their departments attorney, Kenneth Fawcett.

When the department was asked about training certifications, fire chief Harry Gilarno relayed that modern firefighting training programs are long in duration comparative to a college course. Gilarno said that it is hard for volunteer firefighters to have the time to take such a course. Years ago, Beaver County had a fire school training program that many older members of the department received lifelong certifications from. Currently, Butler County still has a training program and some newer department members have taken their courses. Ultimately, Pennsylvania policy does not require special certification of firefighters and allows policies to be made within the fire house.

The Chief says he makes sure all members of the department are comfortable in the duties they perform each time they are on a call. The department did provide a copy of all members level of training with the Council.

The Council also asked about communication and equipment policies within the department and systems that they use, which were all stated to be in compliance with the state. Other questions asked by council included inquires of finance and other records.

According to legal representation, the current operations of the Freedom Borough Volunteer Fire Department were found to be in compliance with no legal concerns to the Borough. The Borough and Department agreed to have more transparency moving forward.

Following the nearly 2-hour long discussion, Chief Gilarno relayed to Council that Freedom and Conway Fire Departments are in the early stages of considering a merger. More discussions on the subject are set to be taking place in the near future.