Chief David A. Faust said the Emmaus Police Department, Public Works Department, Fire and Ambulance Corps responded to varied calls for service as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

Faust said on Oct. 26 prior to the storm, the borough manager held a meeting with all department heads and command staff to discuss preparedness and strategies for the storm.

Prior to the storm, the Public Works Department cleaned storm drains throughout the borough to prepare for the impending heavy rains. Public works, police, fire and ambulance crews were assigned around the clock to deal with utility issues, emergencies and downed trees during the hurricane. Both the Emmaus Fire Department and the Emmaus Ambulance Corps staffed additional personnel and crews to handle such issues as medical emergencies, flooding as well as fire prevention resulting from downed wires.

In addition, the EFD and EAC prepared food and fed all borough personnel during the storm.

During the storm period, the EPD responded to 25 alarms, 19 EMS ambulance assists, seven accidents including a hit and run, 23 hazardous conditions, three fire calls, eight check person(s) welfare, nine suspicious person/ vehicles or activities, five disturbances, eight thefts and 11 information assists.

During the storm period Oct. 29 through Nov. 4, the police department responded to a total of 173 calls for service.

The EFD responded to 45 emergencies.

The EAC responded to 71 emergencies as well as checked the welfare of countless residents.

"On behalf of the leadership of the borough as well as the mayor, borough council and department heads; we would like to thank the residents, business owners and visitors for their tolerance and understanding during this difficult storm," Faust said.