Media mulls future of police officer after controversy
MEDIA » The borough continues to hold virtual meetings following recommended pandemic guidelines. Citizens who might have been present in council chambers for the June legislative meeting were able to send questions to be considered by the board. With this in mind, council President Brian Hall opened with a statement.
“I anticipate that we will receive some comments concerning an incident that involved one of our (police) officers a couple of weeks ago in postings on social media,” Hall said, referencing a controversial posting by Sgt. Robert “Skippy” Carroll. “I assure you that borough council has taken this incident seriously. The investigation is in its final stages, and it will be completed soon. As soon as it is completed, council will decide on appropriate disciplinary action.”
At the end of the meeting, administrative assistant Karen Repino advised council of all emails or calls submitted to the board. Approximately three dozen concerned the police matter. All would be added to the official meeting minutes, but only names and addresses (where the latter were provided). Hall succinctly spoke to these queries by saying the matter had been addressed at the start of the meeting.
Carroll, a 25-year police veteran and an FOP first vice president, and an Aston sandwich shop owner sparred through postings on Facebook in the beginning of June. Public protests and involvement happened immediately including local residents, elected officials, the Delaware County Black Caucus. In a matter of days, a statement was issued by the FOP; an apology by Carroll on a “poorly worded” and misinterpreted post; and comment by the shop owner which said, “This is a misunderstanding and the truth will come out.”
Carroll has been put on leave. No further statements have been forthcoming by Carroll or the FOP. Borough council is the authority regarding police employment and made its status clear.
While public attention may have centered on this issue, council’s other business will have substantial impact on the borough. The announcement was made about the retirement of Public Works Director Ralph DeRosa who has been with the borough for 42 years. Hall said he had been given the okay to also announce that borough
Manager Jeff Smith will be leaving after two decades at the helm due to a necessary move from the area. Both individuals are deserving of and will be lauded in future meetings, hopefully in person.
On a somewhat normal note, dining outside has been a staple along State Street for quite awhile. With some restrictions lifted Wednesday’s Dining Under the Stars has restarted with some trial runs on weekends including Fathers’ Day.