Residents of Gilpin and Freeport officially have a new regional police department. The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department held a pinning and inaugural first shift ceremony Wednesday morning at the Gilpin Municipal Building. The new police force combines the Freeport and Gilpin police departments, providing 24-hour police coverage for both
Longtime Freeport Mayor James Swartz Jr. resigned in early June, and borough council still hasn’t been able to find someone to fill his shoes. No one qualified enough has stepped up, said Council President Clint Warnick, who is serving as acting mayor. “We’re still working through, trying applicants,” he said.
The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department — which combines Freeport and Gilpin police — soon will be off the ground. Freeport Council on Wednesday night gave unanimous approval to a consolidation of its police department with Gilpin’s. Freeport’s action followed Gilpin’s approval Monday. While there is no exact date, officials