POTTSTOWN PA – In the past it was pretty much understood that fire police – operating from the Sanatoga and Ringing Hill fire companies within Lower Pottsgrove (PA) Township – had limited powers, were subordinate to regular police officers, and were responsible to and supervised by their respective fire chiefs.

That’s still understood, but as of this week it’s also a part of township law.

Sanatoga fire police patrol a barrier at the corner of Linfield and South Sanatoga roads following a traffic accident in this June 2010 file photo.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a policy Monday (Dec. 6, 2010), created by Police Chief Michael Shade, that spells out who can become a member of the companies’ fire police teams, and how; what they can do, and can’t; and to whom they report while on duty or in the field.

There’s been no problem that prompted the law, now known as “General Order 100.6 – Fire Police Procedures,” Shade told board members. The policy was, however, “something we’ve been missing” in township regulations that he considered valuable to document, the chief added. Commissioners agreed, and Shade collaborated with Solicitor R. Kurtz Holloway in writing it. It took effect immediately.

The policy:

• Gives fire police specific duties. They can “regulate traffic and keep crowds under control,” and exercise “other police powers” as necessary at fire, accident and emergency scenes to ensure responders can do their jobs. They can work at public functions, events and parades held by their companies, or when requested. They have no right or power to use firearms or other weapons. They must wear “a badge of authority” while on duty.

• Sets membership requirements. They must be age 19 or older, be U.S. citizens and Pennsylvania-licensed drivers, and generally be members of their respective fire companies for at least a year. They must submit to “a successful background investigation,” and “be free of a criminal record.” They must be confirmed and sworn to service by the Board of Commissioners.

• Establishes command and control. All fire police while on duty are under control of the police chief and his designated subordinates, and must take orders from police officers at the scene. When police are not present, they take orders from their fire chiefs. They are generally under control of fire chiefs, who also are responsible for “proper equipping and training.”

• Looks to “minimize conflicts and liability.” All requests for fire police generally must be “directed to or addressed by the police department” except in emergency circumstances.

The board, in a separate vote, also approved lists of fire police officers who meet the new requirements and whose memberships in their teams have already been approved by Shade.

In the Sanatoga Fire Company, they are Lieutenants Robin Guber and Michael Misiak, and officers Brian Rendina, James Hilbert, Rick Brendlinger, Mark Schaeffer, Kenneth Linsenbigler, David Saylor, John Mark Roberts, Richard Howe, Kevin Lytle, and Jacob Fulton. The captain’s position is vacant.

In the Ringing Hill Fire Company, they are Captain Charles Schaeffer, Lieutenants Charlie Kienle Jr. and Richard Foley, and officers Michael Rightnour, Matthew Swanson, William R. Moser, Benjamin Updegrove, Kevin Yerger, Raymond Lopez, Robert Romig, Vernest Lightcap, Thomas Liott Sr., Robert Artim, and Robert Yerger.

Related (to the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners’ meeting of Dec. 6):

• Township OKs New Fire Police Law, Approves Members
• Township, Moyer Estate Settle Late Treasurer’s Accounts
• Commissioners Meet Tonight, With A Busy Agenda