At their May Board of Supervisors Meeting, Cumberland Township Supervisor Shaun Phiel and Cumberland Township Police Department (CTPD) Chief Matt Trostel presented a Commendation Award to Township police officer Lane Hartley for saving the life of a man whom he had discovered during a suspicious vehicle check on the southbound entry ramp of U.S. Route 15.
While investigating the vehicle, Hartley found a man nearby, lying face down and in need of immediate medical assistance. Hartley determined that the man was suffering from hypothermia, provided basic first aid and summoned medical help.
Chief Trostel reported that, due to the extremely low temperatures at the time, as well as the patient’s condition, Harley’s actions resulted in saving this individual’s life. “Your actions are in the highest tradition of the Cumberland Township Police Department,” Trostel stated.
Photo above: CTPD Chief Matt Trostel (l) and CT Board of Supervisors Shaun Phiel (r) present a Commendation Award to Officer Lane Hartley.
In other police department news, Trostel reported on department training progress and positive interactions with residents, which included two instances of searching for elderly dementia residents. Other various community activities hosted or assisted by the CTPD included assisting James Getty Elementary with their Career Day (Officer Barbagello); helping with Booster Seat Distribution and Car Seat Check (Officer Eiker); and the annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo hosted by the Gettysburg Church of the Brethren.
Cumberland Township will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 730 Chambersburg Road. A Railroad Police Officer from CSX Transportation will attend this year’s NNO. Former CTPD officer, Lt. Jim Finnegan, will also be attending to speak about Railroad safety with visitors.
Other agenda items discussed by the Board of Supervisors, as well as minutes of previous meetings, can be viewed here: http://www.cumberlandtownship.com/departments/bosmeetings/bosmeetings2025.
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.