CLEARFIELD – The Glen Richey Volunteer Fire Department’s insurance company has asked anyone using the ball field on the department’s property to sign pre-emptive releases in case of injuries, reported Supervisor Edward Brown at Tuesday’s Lawrence Township meeting.
However, Solicitor James Naddeo indicated that a pre-release isn’t legal in Pennsylvania. He requested more information, adding that other alternatives exist. This topic evolved into discussion about fire department personnel getting injured outside on bingo night and then obtaining workman’s compensation.
The supervisors said workman’s compensation for township fire personnel was increasing by 25 percent this year. Naddeo argued the claim may not have any ground if bingo was not an authorized activity as part of the fire department’s duties.
Naddeo recommended the supervisors create a resolution to require the Lawrence Township-based fire departments to request permission before activities. “[A resolution that] we’ll never approve,” said Supervisor Glenn Johnston.
Naddeo added if the township would do this, it shifts financial responsibility toward the fire departments’ insurance companies.