Politics & Government
Nazareth Police Chief Allowed to Reconnect TV's Cable
Nazareth Borough Council's Police Committee has a change of heart in regard to the television in the Nazareth Borough Police Department headquarters.
Nazareth's police chief on Monday was given permission to reconnect the cable to a television in the Nazareth Borough Police Department headquarters on S. Main Street.
The announcement from Nazareth Borough Council's Police Committee was made 366 days -- or one year and one day -- after a Highway Department employee was instructed by Mayor Fred Daugherty Jr. to disconnect the RCN cable.
The donated television in the police department's headquarters has been a sore subject in Nazareth Borough Council Chambers. The mayor has said he heard rumors of officers from Nazareth and other departments watching the television for entertainment.
Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"After some thought and after what happened with Hurricane Sandy, and after a brief conversation with [Police Chief Thomas Trachta] the other day about a TV that doesn't work well for training purposes, we discussed purchasing a new television," said committee Chairman Jack Herbst.
Herbst outlined stipulations, noting that Trachta admitted that he cannot chaperone the television 24/7 because the department lacks the manpower for nighttime supervision.
Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Herbst recommends the channels be restricted to WFMZ 69, The AccuWeather Channel, Channel 2 (informational) and, if needed, a Philadelphia channel.
Councilman Carl Fischl suggested carrying CNN for coverage of "major catastrophes." Herbst, however, said a Fox or NBC affiliate in Philadelphia can be added.
Herbst also will ask Council to consider purchasing a new television for the department. He suggested a $800 flat-panel television, the money for which could be taken out of the training buget.
Councilman Charles Donello has been reappointed as a member of the Police Committee, along with Fischl and Herbst. Councilman Chris Audenried previously was named to the police committee, but Council President Dan Chiavaroli made some last-minute changes.
Audenried last week was charged with public drunkenness after he was allegedly found drunk behind the wheel of his car with a bottle of vodka nearby.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
