Slatington Borough Council accepted the retirement of Ron Hausman as the borough emergency management director, effective at the end of the year.

“I have been the director for almost 30 years,” Hausman said at council’s recent meeting. “I have enjoyed that all the planning we have done has worked out very well.

“The latest was the garage fire on Main Street in the 600 block. We evacuated the residents to the Lutheran Church on Second Street, Northern Lehigh School District and Vigilant Fire Hall, to name a few of the area places to help out. The Red Cross has been a great organization to always work with.

“I have worked through a tornado, Hurricane Katrina and all emergencies in between, whether they were EMS, fire or weather related.”

Hausman said that council has worked with him “for anything we may have needed for emergencies like salt at fire scenes in winter so our fire trucks could get to the fire.”

He said he worked with borough Manager Roy Hambrecht when 911 was not operating.

“We were able to use the Swift 911 Emergency Notification System; 1,186 residents were notified because they signed up for it from the newsletter, Hausman said. “We were able to notify them with the nonemergency number for emergencies, 610-437-5252.”

He said that he will work with the new EMA director.

Fire Chief Robert Reph thanked Hausman for all of his help, including in answering questions.

“I’m sure I will still have to call you,” the chief said.

Mayor Jeralyn Schoch added: “We are so grateful that you have put in your time and energy for the borough. You have done an amazing job. You are a true asset and always help out whenever I call.”

The whole room stood up and applauded Hausman.