BERWYN, PA - The Berwyn Fire Company welcomed its newest Special Fire Police Officer, Hugh Friel, to its ranks prior to its regularly scheduled weekly drill. Easttown Township Board of Supervisors Chair Betsy Fadem, Supervisor Marc Heppe and Berwyn Fire Police Captain David Staats participated in the swearing in ceremony. Tredyffrin Township Police Department Traffic Sergeant Michelle Major also attended.

Hugh Friel is a longtime Tredyffrin Township resident. Hugh holds a B.A. in Economics from Eastern University. After operating his own business in the West Chester area, he retired and now spends quality time his wife, daughter and two grandchildren. Hugh is a recent graduate of the Tredyffrin Township Police Department Citizens Police Academy.

The primary responsibility of fire police is to ensure a safe and unobstructed area for all public safety professionals and emergency vehicles, as well as providing crowd control and limiting access to emergency scenes. Once this is accomplished, fire police officers may set up detours, perform traffic control and take other steps to protect and assist the general public.

In addition to their duties during emergencies, fire police officers also may be called upon to provide traffic, crowd control and security services during non-emergency events, such as parades, fairs and other special events.

To learn more about the function of Fire Police you can visit the following link at https://www.berwynfireco.org/content/firepolice/