Council Discusses Hiring Deputy EMA Coordinator

In response to , on May 7 Hellertown Borough Council interviewed Robert Scherer for possible appointment to what would be a newly-created position: deputy emergency management coordinator.

In April, --who is Robert Scherer's son--recommended that council consider appointing a deputy coordinator capable of filling his shoes if he is out of town or otherwise unable to fulfill his duties.

Chris Scherer told council that he was recommending his father for the position not because of their familial relationship, but because of Robert Scherer's expertise in the area of emergency response.

On May 7, the elder Scherer discussed his experience in that vein.

A borough resident since 1975, Robert said he has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years, for more than 30 years.

"I ran with and was at one time the ambulance captain here in town," he said.

He noted that he was employed by the former Bethlehem Steel for 17 years, and said he has a background in the operation of heavy equipment that could be helpful in a time of crisis.

"I worked construction before I went into the service," Robert Scherer explained, adding that he was a member of the military police.

He currently is employed by  as a member of its maintenance department, he added.

When councilwoman Gail Nolf asked Robert about the status of his emergency certifications, he said his EMT certification has lapsed.

However, "as far as I know, my HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials)--HAZMAT technician--is still current," he said.

Scherer added that he would be willing to become recertified as needed.

Council did not vote publicly on either the creation of the deputy EMA coordinator position or Robert Scherer's appointment, but president Phil Weber said the matter would be discussed further in executive session.