A Message from Chatham Borough Mayor, Carolyn Dempsey about Storm Recovery

Dear Chatham Borough Neighbors,

Just one week ago, none of us could have imagined the devastation our community would experience. A storm that took many of us by surprise upended our July 4th celebrations and left many without power. As we review the impact of this event, it has become clear that this was the most destructive storm to affect Chatham Borough in more than a decade. The damage to our tree canopy, roadways, utility infrastructure, and public property was unprecedented in recent memory, making the recovery effort one of the largest our community has undertaken in many years.

We are thankful and lucky there were no serious injuries. I know this has been a difficult and frustrating experience, and I want to personally thank each of you for your patience, understanding, and resilience.

I am pleased to say that we are nearing the end of this recovery effort. As of this morning, all 517 customers who were without power have been restored. This reflects the tremendous progress made by utility crews and our DPW working throughout our community.

While we all hoped for a quicker restoration of power, the extent of the damage across our region meant that utility crews faced an enormous task. Throughout this emergency, our local first responders and municipal employees remained focused on one mission—protecting the safety and well-being of our community.

I am incredibly proud of the dedicated men and women of the Chatham Borough Police Department, and Police Chief Brian Gibbons who worked around the clock to close dangerous roadways, direct traffic, respond to emergencies, check on residents needing assistance, and provide reassurance to our neighbors during these uncertain circumstances.

Our volunteer members of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department and Chatham Emergency Squad once again demonstrated extraordinary commitment, responding to emergency calls while navigating hazardous conditions and standing ready to assist whenever they were needed. These volunteers willingly leave their families and jobs to serve ours, and our community is stronger because of their selfless dedication.

I also want to recognize our outstanding Department of Public Works employees, and Tony Torello, Director of DPW. From the earliest hours of the storm, DPW crews worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees, remove debris, make roads passable, and support emergency responders throughout the Borough. Their efforts will continue with the Borough's final town-wide curbside brush collection, which begins on Monday, July 13, ensuring storm debris is removed from neighborhoods across the community.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Emergency Management Coordinator, Steven Davenport, whose work does not end with the restoration of power. In the weeks ahead, he will continue documenting damages and compiling the extensive costs associated with this storm in an effort to maximize any potential reimbursement through FEMA should assistance become available.

I also want to recognize the leadership of our Borough Administrator, Steve Williams, whose coordination throughout this emergency helped ensure that our Governing Body, Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Squad, Department of Public Works, and our utility partners remained informed and worked together effectively.

A special thank you also goes to the staff of the Library of the Chathams and the Chatham Senior Center, who answered the call over the holiday weekend to open their facilities as cooling centers and charging locations for residents without electricity. Their willingness to step forward during a time of need exemplifies the spirit of public service that defines our community.

From the onset of the storm through the final stages of recovery, we remained in constant communication with emergency responders, JCP&L, state officials, the Governor and the Governor’s Office, and municipal staff. We hope you were able to receive our AlertChathamBorough messages, emails, Facebook posts and video updates. During the recovery efforts we personally visited many neighborhoods most affected by the storm. Our goal has been—and continues to be—to keep residents informed while coordinating the Borough’s response every step of the way.

I know many residents were disappointed by the cancellation of our Fourth of July Parade and festivities. Like all of you, I shared that disappointment. However, public safety had to remain our highest priority. The Chatham Fire Department Association, which organizes the parade, has worked extremely hard in planning this year’s parade and fireworks display. While no one wanted to cancel such a cherished tradition, it was the responsible group decision given the circumstances.

Finally, I want to thank our residents. Throughout this emergency, neighbors checked on neighbors, shared generators and supplies, offered assistance to those in need, and demonstrated the compassion and community spirit that make Chatham Borough such a special place to call home. It is during times like these that the true character of our community shines brightly.

On behalf of the Borough Council and our entire municipal team, thank you for your patience, your cooperation, and your continued support of the dedicated public servants and volunteers who work every day to keep Chatham Borough safe. If you see our DPW or first responders around town, be sure to say hello, shake their hand and thank them for their incredible work during this storm.

Together, we weathered this storm, and together we will continue moving forward.

With gratitude,

Carolyn Dempsey

Mayor