Girardville officially disbanded its police department this week.
Additionally, Borough Council members also approved bids for its police cruiser and two emergency radios.
The borough will now rely on Pennsylvania State Police for coverage unless it decides to enter into an inter-municipal police agreement with a neighboring community.
Police Disbanded in Girardville
It’s highly unlikely that Girardville will restart its police department any time soon.
Back in May, Girardville suspended its police department entirely. There were numerous issues that led to that decision.
Money is one of them. Rather than spend much of the borough’s limited annual budget – about $500,000 – on a full-time code enforcement officer. Council members voted to advertise for that position at Wednesday’s meeting, too.
Legal issues are another with the now-disbanded police department.
Earlier this year, the borough’s Officer-in-Charge, Jeremy Talanca, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud for the way he allegedly ran a used-car dealership in Berwick. (READ: Girardville Cop In Prison, Charged With Operating Fraudulent Berwick Car Dealership)
The previous Chief/Officer-in-Charge of Girardville Police, Fabrizio Bivona, currently has a federal lawsuit filed against the borough and its former mayor over numerous alleged violations of his rights. (READ: Girardville’s Former Top Cop Sues Borough With Shocking Claims)
A separate lawsuit from two residents of the borough has also been filed against Talanca and another officer over an alleged incident involving a possible illegal entry into their home where both officers had their guns drawn.
Bids Accepted
In addition to formally disbanding the police force, Girardville council members also accepted bids for some of the department’s physical equipment.
A bid of $2,050 was accepted for a Chevrolet Impala police cruiser. A constable from Lehigh County made the winning bid on Municibid, an online government auction site.
The borough also accepted a bid from nearby Butler Township for two portable police radios for $3,500. Any costs associated with transferring the service to Butler Township will be absorbed by the buyer, Girardville officials said.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...