2005 News

November 2, 2005
Bucks To Build Morgue/Crime Lab In Warminster Township

The Bucks County Commissioners today took a major step toward construction of a new, state-of-the-art county morgue and crime lab in Warminster Township.

The commissioners awarded contracts to nine companies for construction of the facility on the site of the former Johnsville Naval Air Station. The cost of the building, loose and fixed equipment and interior furnishings is estimated at $6.5 million, with completion expected in 12 to 14 months.

"We're looking forward to the future opening," said Commission Chairman Charles H. Martin. "We can be proud of this step, knowing a modern facility like this will be a great asset to the county now and for years to come."

Since Bucks County has never had a morgue, autopsies are performed at area hospitals and funeral homes. But, for many years, the county operated a small crime lab in Middletown Township where chemical and drug tests requested by investigators are processed. Other tests have been outsourced by local police investigators. The new crime lab is planned to provide ample room for expansion.

Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko said achieving the final design and plan was a lengthy process, developed after professional consultations and visits to other similar facilities, including the State Police crime lab. All local and state agency approvals, including U.S. Navy approval for the site, were completed prior to opening the bidding process. Sanko said he expects the morgue and crime lab to be up and running in 12 to 14 months after construction begins - possibly as early as December.

Two other county officials are looking forward to the new fac ility. Both Bucks County District Attorney Diane Gibbons and county Coroner Dr. Joseph Campbell agree there are numerous benefits to a modern, county morgue and crime lab.

"The technology and science involved in this state-of-the-art crime lab will be of great assistance to law enforcement officers and prosecutors," Gibbons said. "This kind of facility will help us greatly in the work we do and, more importantly, help us keep Bucks County the safest community in southeastern Pennsylvania."

Campbell added , "The construction of this building will greatly enhance the operation of the coroner's office and certainly accommodate the county's needs. Our records and evidence can be consolidated under one roof and we won't have to use two hospitals and a funeral home as morgues."

General construction contracts were awarded to Magnum Inc., of Warminster, the low bidder. Other contracts covered mechanical construction, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and furniture.

The county commissioners held their bimonthly meeting today at the Warminster Township municipal building.