Palmer Pleased with Hurricane Sandy Efforts

Hurricane Sandy ripped through Palmer Township, causing some major destruction in terms of downed trees and power outages, with some officials calling it the worst storm to hit in some time.

But officials said at the recent Board of Supervisors meeting that they were pleased with how everyone worked together to get through the storm.

"I want to thank all of the township employees -- public works, EMS, police and fire. They did an outstanding job," Township Manager Christopher Christman said.

Public Safety Director Tom Adams said the public works department did an excellent job throughout Hurricane Sandy.

Supervisor Bob Smith said he was impressed how the police and fire departments performed without power in their buildings and communications out.

"Everything went smooth," Smith said.

Supervisor Bob Lammi said what made this storm different was that officials were getting daily briefings on storm damage and power outages.

"It kept board members up to speed about what was going on," Lammi said. "It was a good model -- the first time we had it."

Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver said that the township needed to focus on leaf collection since 80 percent of the leaves had fallen off the trees.

Supervisor Ann-Marie Panella said she was most impressed by how township residents rallied to support each other.

"I want to thank residents for watching out for each other," she said. "This storm was an opportunity for things to go good or bad. Residents all helped each other. They checked on neighbors and senior citizens were watched out for."