(1/2025) Liberty Township Police Officer-in-Charge Terry DeWitt is continuing his pursuit to professionalize the department. During their December meeting, township supervisors unanimously approved DeWitt’s request to purchase spike strips.
DeWitt has successfully solicited several donations for the department since he took charge in July, including rifles from Trip Wire South and car decals from Graphcom. DeWitt told the supervisors that he is aiming to modernize the department and asked for permission to purchase spike strips for a car. After much discussion, supervisors unanimously agreed to purchase the strips.
"It’s not the fact of how many times we have a chase," DeWitt said. "It is when the chase occurs, how many people do we want to put in danger?"
Supervisor Bobby Keiholtz asked DeWitt about future requests. He responded that he wants automated external defibrillators and lockout kits for all vehicles. He did not provide an estimate for the items, but said he believes they are essential tools for a rural police department such as Liberty. DeWitt said he and his officers are often the first responders on the scene of a 9-1-1 call. The American Heart Association reports AEDs can increase the chances of survival for people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest by up to 75% if used within the first few minutes.
"We are on the street; even though you have an ambulance crew sitting at the station, it still takes them two minutes to get out the door," DeWitt said.
Barlow said he believes the township can acquire state grant money to fund AEDs.
The officer-in-charge also reported that Patrolman Kenneth Hassinger has completed his field training. Hassinger is a former Pennsylvania State Trooper and former head of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Drug Unit.
Tax Increase
The supervisors also unanimously approved its 2025 budget, which includes a a half-mill tax increase. The supervisors cited the need to rebuild the township’s reserves while maintaining roads and keeping pace with increased costs.
The increase will cost Liberty Township residents about $50 per $100,000 of assessed property. The increase will allow the township to add $84,173 to its reserve account.
The 2025 budget proposal totals about $500,000. Barlow warned that $250,000 is left in the allocated reserve account, or about six months of township operating expenses. The township’s unallocated reserve account, which covers unexpected expenses, will be down to $50,000.
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