2007 News

May 10, 2007

Bucks County Commissioners Focus Bi-Weekly Meeting on Emergency Management First Response
COO David Sanko Underscores Importance of “Staying Vigilant” on all Levels of Public Preparation, Monitoring and Response

The choice of Bristol Township’s Bucks County Rescue Squad as a venue for the Board of Bucks County Commissioners’ bi-monthly meeting was particularly poignant. In addition to recognizing the squad as a bastion of emergency first-response contribution to the community it serves, Commissioners Charles H. Martin, James F. Cawley, Esq. and Sandra A. Miller issued a proclamation celebrating the 75th anniversary of squad.

“We appreciate the support the Bucks County commissioners have given us over the years,” Bucks County Rescue Squad board member and Bucks County Emergency Management Agency training officer Harry Crohe told the commissioners and county Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko. “In 1995, when our building burned down, you helped get us back on our feet. We have never forgotten that teamwork, and your efforts to helping us provide the very best ambulance facility that money can buy.”

From the moment Commissioner Martin opened the meeting with the traditional moment of silence, asking the assemblage to keep Bucks County’s recently fallen soldiers, Marine 1st Lieutenant Travis Manion and Army 1st Lieutenant Colby Umbrell in their thoughts, the theme was one of reverence and sacrifice. The commissioners approved resolutions for 15 departments, including an Emergency Management grant submission for radiological emergency response equipment.

During Mr. Sanko’s bi-monthly report, the COO – and former director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency – stressed the importance of the county’s “ongoing commitment to enhancing communication.” He urged residents to visit the county website, www.buckscounty.org, to click on the icon to register for e-mail alerts that will provide alerts to updates on the website such as news releases, the commissioners, emergency services, health and human services, row officers, online services, and courts.

Drawing on his expertise as the former PEMA director, Sanko sounded a strong cautionary note in the wake of this week’s foiled Fort Dix terror plot.

“I came here two-and-a-half years ago knowing a lot of things I wish I didn’t know,” Sanko said. “The good news is that there are citizens – patriots, if you will – who don’t sleep at night so that you can.”

Both the commissioners and the COO reminded all registered Bucks County voters to remember to participate in the May 15 Municipal Primary Election. Independent voters, who will not be allowed to vote for candidates during next Tuesday’s election, may vote on the Act 1 ballot question regarding school tax rates.

The commissioners also announced the formation of the Delaware River Task Force, which consists of 17 individuals who were nominated by their respective municipalities. From Riegelsville to Bensalem, all 17 municipalities that were asked to forward a name elected to participate.

“That speaks very highly of the respective municipalities’ commitment to the success of this task force,” said Commissioner Cawley. Added Chairman Martin, “It’s a fine group.”