Like its neighbors of Irwin and North Huntingdon, North Irwin wants to join Westmoreland County’s Special Weapons and Tactics team to provide quicker response in times of emergencies, a borough official said.

“If there is ever an emergency requiring SWAT services, it would make sense to have that offered locally, rather than waiting for hours for the state police to respond. We could have an emergency service available, just minutes away,” said North Irwin council President Sue Kochman.

Westmoreland County’s SWAT is bound by a mutual agreement among Murrysville, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Vandergrift, Washington Township, Allegheny Township, Greensburg and North Huntingdon. The members of the team are trained in handling high-risk search warrants, barricaded suspects, snipers, crisis and hostage negotiations, potential suicide-related situations, and other high-risk incidents.

Irwin police Chief Dan Wensel said previously that North Irwin could join the county SWAT because his borough provides police protection to the smaller community. The SWAT board of chiefs would consider North Irwin’s participation an extension of Irwin’s involvement with the group, said Zachary Kansler, Irwin borough solicitor. 

Kochman said that they anticipate having a discussion with Irwin representatives on Jan. 7 about how much North Irwin would contribute to the county SWAT and borough council taking a vote on Jan. 14 on whether to join the SWAT team. Irwin is paying about $600 for its first year of participation.

If North Irwin can join for a nominal cost, it seems like a no-brainer, Kochman said. The borough of about 859 people will pay $34,395 to Irwin next year to provide police services to their community.

Kochman said she believes North Irwin council would be amendable to contributing to the cost for an officer to undergo SWAT training. Irwin has selected Cpl. Alex Gillingham to be its representative on the team.

Irwin is a newcomer to the county SWAT, which has officers from eight departments. The borough council approved the affiliation in October.

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