Fire Chief weighs in on Knox Box issue
Columbia's decision to ban former employee from its property may be 'unconstitutional' [Lancaster Watchdog]
Chris Vera [Columbia Spy file photo] The following information is excerpted from a December 6, 2025 LNP Watchdog article by LNP | LancasterOnline reporter Jade Campos. Still reeling from an abrupt firing from his role as head of the Columbia Market House in March, Chris Vera was surprised to get a letter in the mail from a Columbia Borough attorney two weeks later telling him he was banned indefinitely from borough property. The letter gave no reason for the ban. Nine months later, Vera, who has served as president of the Columbia Historic Preservation Society for more than a decade and has helped with the borough’s comprehensive plan, is still banned from borough property. He believes the ban includes borough parks, which is part of the reason he moved his annual Albatwitch Day festival, which celebrates the myth of a local cryptid, to Wrightsville. Vera said he’s not sure why the borough went to such lengths to keep him away from public spaces given his termination from the borough s...
Comments
they still have to wait around until i get there anyway
Yes I am not local, but many of the reasons against these are not from experience with them either. I currently have 38 years as a firefighter, only time owner beat me to scene was they tripped the alarm by being on site. Unknown any more how many times owner just didn't respond.
Yes like anything they could be broken into given time. However over 15 years haven't had that happen locally. It is a reinforced metal box for this reason, the price.
Recently had a fire in apartment complex that had a knox box because they had an alarm system, (a slight difference in our local ordinance. Anyone can get one many do even when not required.) This gave us access to a master key and entry to all effected units to check for extension damage and help prevent further damage. Thus not a door forced.
They work and they save money. Also had a business that doesn't like the idea or doesn't support it, hence we have had to force doors to prevent further damage several times now.