Politics & Government

Butler Considers Implementing Rapid Entry Boxes

Fire official said boxes would help when firefighters need quick entry.

When it comes to a fire, a few minutes can make the difference between a small and a large disaster. But the is now considering asking borough businesses to use KNOX-BOX rapid entry systems that would help firefighters enter buildings quicker in the event of a fire.

A key would provide firefighters entry through a unit attached to the door. The key would be released by a police dispatcher when needed, Borough Administrator James Lampmann said at the council's meeting Tuesday.

Lampmann said they are used in different capacities, but typically, the boxes are used to allow firefighters entry to common areas and near electrical panels. They do not need to be used to allow entry to offices or more private areas.

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Borough Fire Official Bob Westdyk, who also serves as the fire official for and , said Kinnelon and Bloomingdale have already implemented the units and that he believes they provide added safety when compared with tracking down owners and keyholders to provide entry.

"It's better and avoids a lot of aggravation," he said.

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Kinnelon and Bloomingdale schools have also added the units to the buildings.

"At 3 a.m., you're not going to find a custodian," he said.

The cost of the units would be the responsibility of the business owners with no borough money being spent on the initiative. Lampmann said if the council were to pursue the implementation, the council would have to decide on a time limit for when businesses would have to purchase and install the units. Westdyk said some Butler businesses have already gone out and installed the boxes on their own.

Councilman Ray Verdonik asked that the discussion be continued on the committee level.


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