Message from Chief Gallagher to Narberth Residents

Message from the Chief of Police
Please know that I initiated a Police Action Plan on March 10th in response to the Coronavirus so that basic police services will continue, uninterrupted. Police vehicles are equipped with medical bags that contain personal protective equipment to use, as needed; thereby, allowing officers to protect themselves while responding to medical-related calls for service and other assignments.
As the Interim Emergency Management Coordinator, I organized an Emergency Management Roundtable on March 11th with our Public Safety Team, which included Mayor Andrea Deutsch, in response to the Coronavirus. Follow-up Emergency Management meetings with the Public Safety Team will be conducted weekly, or as needed. We are using local, state and federal partners to gather real-time intelligence and information regarding this matter. Communications received from these sources will be shared, as received.
In the meantime, per the Center for Disease Control, adhere to the following guidelines:
•Maintain a distance of at least six (6) feet from others
•Practice proper hygiene
•Wash hands frequently, but especially after coming in contact with other people and commonly-touched surfaces, including but not limited to counters, door handles, money, keyboards, public seating
•Try not to touch face with unwashed hands, but do wash face, in particular around the nose and eyes, while washing hands
•Remove footwear at the door when returning home, as many germs can be tracked inside via shoes, sneakers and boots
•Practice basics to keep healthy, like staying hydrated, eating properly, getting sleep and going outside for exercise and fresh air
•Avoid mass gatherings
•Consult with a family physician or emergency room if exhibiting described symptoms
Be aware that it is difficult to process information about this disease, because there is just so much of it coming from multiple sources (news, social media, conversations), but people should not panic. First responders (police, fire, medics) are trained to recognize that hysteria does not help. What happens is not nearly as important as how it is handled. Things may be changing by the hour, but this situation, like so many others, will eventually calm and pass.
However, I can assure all residents, business owners and visitors that, until it does, Borough of Narberth emergency services, professional staff, public employees and elected officials will work together as a team, and, in the end, our community will be okay. Enjoy the weekend and have fun with family and friends.
Thank you for supporting the Narberth Police Department.
John Gallagher
Chief of Police
Narberth Police Department