Midland Park December 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Police look to add to first responder equipment The Midland Park Police Department is looking to expand its inventory of first-responder equipment, replace the duty weapons now in use, and switch two of its patrol cars to two-wheel drive vehicles. Police Chief Michael Marra and Sgt. Michael Powderley presented the department’s capital budget requests to the mayor and council last week. Marra is asking for tactical ballistic helmets for each officer as well as an entry shield to protect officers from high power bullets when they respond to an emergency situation. Each helmet is about $436. Officers train annually for the Active Shooter pro- gram, a requirement by the County Prosecutor’s Office, but thus far the 15-member department only has a bal- listic shield, purchased with a Department of Homeland Security grant received after 9-11. “We want the helmets and one more shield to start. Next we’d like additional vests against high power rifles,” the chief said, noting that other area towns are building up their inventories. “We want to be proactive and make sure our guys are protected,” Powderley said. Councilman Mark Braunius questioned the need for the specialized equipment, noting that it might be a dupli- cation of resources already available at the county level. “I have a tough time spending the money. Is every town Rotary seeks funds for typhoon victims The Midland Park-Wyckoff Rotary is seeking dona- tions to assist the residents of the Philippines who were impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. Through Rotary Inter- national, the club is seeking monetary donations for the purchase of Sawyer Water Filters. The victims of Typhoon Haiyan are in urgent need of clean water, food, and temporary shelter. Rotary groups are raising funds to purchase the water filters that can be shared by several families. This small, lightweight filter kit can provide up to 170 gallons of clean water per day. Donations may be sent to: International Humanitar- ian Aid Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13, Midland Park, NJ 07432. Please make checks payable to “International Humanitarian Aid Foundation, Inc.” and note “Philippine Relief” on the memo line, or donate online at http://pas- torandy.us/donate. an island with this special equipment? Where does it stop?” he asked. “I don’t know if we can do it.” “We’re the first on the scene; we neutralize the threat. We don’t sit and wait for assistance from area towns or the county SWAT team to arrive. It goes so fast, and our officers have no protection for the head,” the chief said. Councilman Scott Pruiksma suggested an alternative might be outfitting each car with a helmet and a vest, but Powderley noted the equipment in the car might not fit the officer on duty at the time. Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan suggested each officer pick out his helmet size from a rack at headquarters as he goes on duty. The department is also looking to purchase new duty weapons at a total cost of about $8,300, including hol- sters, clips and magazine pouches, and trade in. He said the accepted practice, standard, and ceiling to replace weapons is approximately 10 years, which will come due in 2015. He told the council that it is not cost effective to make repairs to the firearms currently in use, which wear out due to training, familiarization and annual qualifica- tion exams. The chief said a committee made up of the three fire- arms officers has been trying out loaner weapons from Glock, Smith & Wesson and Sig Sauer Six Hours and will recommend the weapon that will best suit the depart- ment’s needs. Powderley said the department is recommending replacing two Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles with 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe two-wheel drive vehicles. He said the savings anticipated with the Explorers had not materi- alized and that they are too compact to accommodate the necessary equipment. He also said they are too cramped for some of the taller officers. “The mileage is better on the two-wheel drive, and we still have the four-wheel drive cars for inclement weather,” Powderley said. “We are also looking at safety, and the Tahoes utilize space better,” he added. The two new vehicles are expected to cost about $77,000, including equipment and signage. The borough follows a policy of replacing two vehicles one year, and one the following year. One of the retired vehicles is used for traffic control.