Slatington Borough Council has approved an ordinance for the mayor to oversee the fire department.

With the ordinance, Mayor Jeralyn Schoch is overseeing the fire department and serving as a liaison between the fire department and council for fire services.

President Ryan Mayberry said, “The ordinance we passed is to give the mayor oversight over the fire department. Basically so the council is more informed about their activities.”

Mayor Schoch said, “We are a borough in favor of having someone provide oversight to the fire company and being that I have an extensive background in emergency services we all felt that I would be the perfect person for it. Since I’m already in charge of the police department, it was in everyone’s best interest for myself to do it. I am a huge advocate for emergency services and those who provide those services to our community.”

In recent months the borough discussed the possibility of a fire commissioner.

Mayor Schoch and the Slatington Volunteer Fire Department invite everyone to a Back to School Dinner with your local Fire Department. It will be held at Vigilant Fire Company, 110 South Walnut St., Slatington on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

The menu includes hot dogs, hamburgers, build your own ice cream sundae, chips, soda, and water. Cash or cards will be accepted. All money raised benefits the Slatington Fire Department.

In addition to the dinner, there will be a Porch Planter Fundraiser from 5 t o 7 p.m. See the department’s Facebook page for details.