Mayor’s Update 2-15-21
Remember: No Ice is Safe Ice!
On February 13, Delran Township Council and I had the honor of being invited to watch the Delran Fire Department’s Annual Ice Rescue Training on Swedes Lake.
While I am always proud of the impressive level of service they provide, seeing firsthand the training and skill involved was truly eye opening. With so many bodies of water in our Rivertown’s area, this is an incredibly important and difficult part of the job these men and women do in keeping us safe. In addition to plunging into freezing cold water, we also got an introductory lesson on the complex equipment & techniques employed during these challenging rescues. Delran EMS was also there, providing a warming tent, to assist and assess everyone who had actually been in the water.
Additionally, I want to remind Delran residents that they can help DFD and Delran EMS help us, by avoiding the need for these types of rescues. Snowfall on top of a frozen body of water can falsely make it appear that it is safe for you or your pets to walk, fetch, or skate on the ice.
Ice strength depends upon uniform thickness, snow cover, changes in temperature, depth of the water under the ice, water flow (current), and water level. Schools of fish under the ice will also affect the integrity of the ice. Lakes and other outdoor bodies of water (such as Swedes Lake) are subject to fluctuations that make it too dangerous to take that risk!
I would like to thank The Delran Fire Department and Delran EMS for inviting us, and for their continued commitment to public safety. Congratulations on a successful training day!
Delran’s Finest Deliver Snow Storm Baby
I would also like to acknowledge Delran Patrolman Keith Upton who, along with the help of Central Dispatch Operator Mark Boyd, responded to and provided assistance during a childbirth emergency call on February 2nd, during the snowstorm.
Officer Upton, a 21-year veteran of the Delran Police Department arrived first to the scene at which point it became evident that there was no time to transport the expectant mother to a hospital.
Dispatcher Boyd, a 10-year veteran at Central Communications, was working the Emergency Medical Desk, and was able to talk our officer and the father through a safe and successful delivery at 10:04am, just TEN minutes after the initial 911 call!
What I can only imagine would be a stressful experience for any pregnant mother, was met with calm and composure, and I am told that mom and baby girl are doing great!
Patrolman Upton and Dispatcher Boyd were both honored by the Burlington County Commissioners during their virtual meeting on February 10th and will be receiving Certificates of Recognition from the county as well.
Congratulations on an outstanding job! Your dedication to the community is truly commendable!
#DelranProud
Best,
Gary Catrambone
Mayor
