Pocono News Section

Secure no More

Secure no More - Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008 @05:00pm EST
LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PIKE COUNTY - WBRE News visited the Pine Ridge community in Pike County to find out what happened to its security staff. No officials wanted to talk.

Resident Claire Canterman complained, "We're all left to fend for ourselves like in the wild west."

People who live in Pine Ridge told WBRE the entire security staff, about 15 in all, called out sick Monday and Tuesday . They believe it is because the community board wanted to make drastic changes to the staff's health care plan. Some people said the staff was fired but officials would not confirm that.

Residents now worry for their safety because Pine Ridge is miles away from police and hospitals. One man who only gave his first name John said, "How 'bout somebody who has got some sort of medical condition that needs help within a few minutes - they're dead."

Counterman worries about crime. She said, "The school calls it Crime Ridge and it's a big disappointment what has happened here."

WBRE visited the community office to find some answers. An official there said, "We have no comment for you but the residents if they wish to speak to us - they can call us."

But then several residents reported managers turned them away so WBRE went back to the office. The official said, "No residents walked in here that were not told any information. Sorry you have that information incorrect."

Residents hope to have answers soon. One Pine Ridge board member Kathleen Farrelly told WBRE over the phone that she wants to work with the other board members to bring security back as soon as possible. She refused to say whether the security staff was fired or when it might return.