A member of Coplay Borough Council praised borough police for peacefully resolving a standoff Sunday on North Eighth Street (see story under police news).

"They demonstrated Sunday just how good they are," Councilman Charles Sodl said.

He called attention to this month's incident report made by police Chief Vincent Genovese at council's workshop meeting Tuesday. The report indicated police responded to a total of 220 incidents during the month of August.

Many people might think the police just drive around and wave to people, said Sodl.

"I could have been one of them a year and a half ago," said Sodl, who was appointed to council about a year ago to fill the unexpired term of Marvin Mann, who resigned.

He encouraged members of the public to thank police officers for the work they do.

"I just think it's important ... to recognize the people around us," Sodl said.

Lehigh County MERT (Municipal Emergency Response Team) assisted at the scene Sunday. Because the borough pays $1,000 annually for MERT support in the event of an emergency, the assistance came at no extra cost to the borough, said Genovese.

"It's well worth the money that we do give them," he said.

Genovese also thanked residents for their patience and onlookers who stayed a safe distance away rather than risking their safety to get a closer look.

In addition, he thanked two residents for providing water for the police during the incident, which took place on a muggy day.