Summit Hill police would like permission to begin giving Narcan injections to help save lives of drug overdose victims.

Chief of Police Joseph Fittos Jr. said the state Legislature has granted permission for police departments to administer the drug without fear of legal action.Fittos also said a company has donated over 4,000 units of Narcan to be given to first responders in specific regions, and the local area is one of them.Presently the Lehighton Ambulance Corps is the EMS provider to administer Narcan on overdoses. Fittos said police often are first at the scene and the response time by ambulances can be delayed if ambulances are out of town.At present there would be no cost to the police, Fittos said. Once the free supply is gone, police can purchase nasal units for about $25 each.He said Narcan is a drug that has been proven to save the lives of overdose victims.He assured council that even if a patient is misdiagnosed, the only side effect of Narcan is vomiting.Attorney Michael Greek, solicitor for the borough, said he hasn't reviewed the state legislation on the matter.He is concerned what liability the borough would have if it said police can administer the drug and then don't replenish the supply once the free inventory is used.The council tabled the matter until its December meeting.In other matters:• The council agreed to review its rules regarding handicapped parking permits.Chet Michalik of Summit Hill complained that the borough is the only local municipality to require a note from a physician every year and require a $75 annual fee.Councilman Gregory Kosciolek said the council needs to approve easier regulations for individuals with permanent disabilities.• Bill Jones submitted a letter of resignation as the borough's representative on the Coaldale-Lansford-Summit Hill Joint Sewer Authority.The council will advertise for a replacement for Jones, whose resignation takes effect Dec. 31.• A representative of Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar said a piece of equipment that the borough workforce was considering would cost $42,700.He said financing is available for 5, 7 or 10 years. The interest rate for five years and under is 2.25 percent annually, while the interest rate for over five years is 2.75 percent.The council said it will review the proposal.• The police computer will be updated to include a statewide Traffic Criminal System program.Fittos said it is a system which state police use and it cuts down the time for retrieving information on drivers during traffic stops.In addition, Fittos said citations are automatically forwarded to a district judge, eliminating paperwork.The estimated cost to implement the program is $800 plus a fee of $40 per month."It's the future of police work," Fittos said.• Collin Lebensperger of Hauto was hired as a part-time police officer.• Councilman John O'Gurek said the borough's road maintenance equipment is prepared if a predicted snowstorm hits Wednesday.• The Recreation Commission's annual Christmas on the Hill program will be held on Dec. 14, with Santa arriving in a helicopter at the Ginder Field at noon.