Freedom township board invites public to safety event

In 2017, Freedom Township formed a committee headed up by Freedom Township Planning Commissioner, Matt Little, with the goal of creating an emergency preparedness plan tailored for the township. Little and his team worked to create a detailed plan of action for the township to better prepare for possible challenges and emergencies that might occur in Freedom Township and the surrounding area, and the plan was adopted earlier this year.

The Freedom Township Board of Trustees invites township residents and the public to a special safety event planned for this coming Saturday, September 18 from 10 am-12:45 pm. The event is being held to call attention
to the increased risks which could impact the local area and discuss safety improvements.

According to township Clerk Valisa Bristle, the community is experiencing expanded challenges due to homeland security threats from abroad and home, weather changes, and the high concentration of oil and gas infrastructure within Freedom Township.

"Our conference will include comments and presentations by a wide range of experts who will discuss the various elements of safety and security, with a focus on Freedom Township," Bristle said in a press release. "The list of speakers includes federal, state and local elected officials as well as experts from the US Environmental Protection
Agency, Michigan State Police, the Michigan Public Service Commission, Washtenaw County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the Manchester Fire Department, and Emergency Responders and representatives from the oil and gas firms that have operations in Freedom Township."

The goal of this weekend's event is to educate, increase communications, and encourage dialogue. Residents, the
public, and press will be able to receive information from our elected representatives, experts, and first
responders and have representatives from the various pipeline companies provide safety information and answer resident questions and concerns. The public is encouraged to attend the event. Come learn what to do as a community in the case of an emergency, and provide your input on what the community needs to be safe.

Please be sure to add Saturday, September 18 10:00 am to your calendar. This will be an informative event you do not want to miss. The event will be held outside under tents at the Freedom town hall at 11508 East Pleasant Lake Road, and will conform to all Michigan Covid 19 safety regulations.

For additional information on this event contact: Valisa Bristle, Freedom Township Clerk, 734 428-7545, ext-2, or by email at vlbristle@yahoo.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.