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‘He said he was my boss:‘ Local councilman for allegedly not complying with police during fireworks incident

SOUTH GREENSBURG, Pa. — A councilman for the Borough of South Greensburg was charged with disorderly conduct after Pennsylvania State Police were called to investigate a fireworks complaint.

Troopers were dispatched to 1430 Oak Street in South Greensburg after multiple neighbors told troopers that fireworks were “being set off close to residences in an unsafe manner.”

One of the people at the address was George Cole, a councilman, according to a news release. He was there, troopers said, as multiple minors were setting off fireworks at 11 p.m.

When confronted, he allegedly told troopers: “he was my boss because of his title.” Cole became belligerent and refused to cooperate with investigators, according to the release.

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The mayor of South Greensburg sent Channel 11 a statement:

“I am aware of the incident that took place Saturday night in the Borough of South Greensburg involving Mr. Cole and PSP Greensburg. I certainly don’t condone anyone being belligerent or disrespectful to law enforcement in general and especially not a councilman. As members of council, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard and that wasn’t adhered to in this situation. I apologize to PSP Greensburg for the actions of our councilman and his actions are in no way, shape, or form, reflective of how our residents or council treat law enforcement. At this time I will have no further comment on the incident.”

Channel 11 has reached out to Cole about what state police said happened. He has not yet responded.

Cole is charged with disorderly conduct.