The Borough of Mercersburg stands firmly with the dedicated men and women of the MMP&W Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company. Their rapid response, professionalism, and selfless service to our community and surrounding areas are deeply appreciated and essential to public safety.
The Borough has reviewed the statement issued yesterday by the MMP&W Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company concerning a recent barn fire and the alleged personal comments made by Ed Twine, Chairman of the Mercersburg Water Authority. According to the fire company, Mr. Twine informed firefighters that hydrants owned by the Authority could not be used and reportedly stated, “Let the building burn” and “it is only one building.”
Borough Council will allow Mr. Twine and the Water Authority an opportunity to speak for themselves to the extent they wish to offer any additional context or explanation for Mr. Twine’s comments.
However, the Borough Council wishes to be perfectly clear on two points:
1.The Mercersburg Water Authority is a separate, independent entity from Borough Council. No representative of the Authority, including its Chairman, Ed Twine, speaks for Borough Council or represents the official position of the Borough of Mercersburg. Any statements made by Mr. Twine reflect his own personal opinion.
2.The Borough of Mercersburg fully supports the use of Borough hydrants and water infrastructure by our volunteer firefighters in emergency situations whenever possible. We recognize that reliable water supply is critical for effective fire suppression, and we reject any suggestion that firefighters should be denied access to hydrants.
The safety of our residents, businesses, visitors, and firefighters is not optional. The Borough Council is committed to working collaboratively with the fire company, the Water Authority, and all relevant stakeholders to resolve any water-supply issues and ensure that our volunteer firefighters have the resources they need to protect life and property.
We recognize that many of the individuals involved, including the volunteer firefighters and the Water Authority board members, serve in a volunteer capacity with the community’s best interests in mind, and we appreciate everyone who dedicates their time and effort towards these goals.
The Borough Council will be addressing this issue directly in the coming days to prevent any recurrence.
