A Palmerton woman remains steadfast in her belief that more needs to be done to ensure the borough’s police department is properly equipped.

Resident Raberta Hans once again addressed her concern to borough council last week, this time citing what she referred to as a volatile protest that took place in the borough park in July as an example.

Hans said that while officers were professional, they were using cellphones to record what was taking place.

She said that while the borough has stated that police are properly equipped, she believes the borough cannot afford a liability lawsuit “which would cost in the millions.”

“Our officers and our borough need to be protected,” Hans said.

Additionally, Hans noted that borough police Chief Randy Smith will eventually be retiring. While she’s confident that a search is underway for Smith’s eventual replacement, her hope is that it will be fair.

Further, Hans said she doesn’t believe that longevity is the only thing to consider when choosing a successor.

“We need to make sure that this candidate is very well respected,” she said.

Last month, council adopted a resolution supporting the application for funding to the Pennsylvania Local Share Act Funding Program that would go toward equipment upgrades for the police department.

The LSA grant application is in the amount of $67,295, and would be used to purchase updated Taser equipment, new dash cameras and body cameras, and data storage for the police department.

Police have been equipped with the same Taser units since 2009 and have undergone annual training for proper use by a member of the department who is a certified Taser instructor.

Borough Manager Donna McGarry noted at that time that the department has received several donations.

Funds raised through a chance auction held last month at the Palmerton Community Ambulance Building raised $4,037, as well as another $50 from Leon A. George II School Buses, for a total of $4,087 to be donated to the department for Tasers and body cameras.

The fundraiser was organized by Palmerton United, a Facebook group of bipartisan local residents.

McGarry said at October’s meeting the borough planned to file an LSA grant so every officer would have a Taser.

Hans and Ellen Colangelo previously expressed concerns to council in August about whether the department has adequate resources at its disposal.

At that time, Bill Gallagher, who was a councilman, assured the residents that the borough is keeping its police department.

Colangelo stressed that it’s important that the department has all the equipment and resources it needs to be successful.

Gallagher, who in September was appointed borough mayor, said the police department is fully funded and has all the equipment it needs.