2007 News

October 26, 2007

CSI Bucks County: Commissioners, Coroner, District Attorney Cut Ribbon on Forensic Facility

Dr. Joseph Campbell, Commissioner Charles Martin, Commissioner Sandra Miller, District Attorney Diane Gibbons and Commissioner James Cawley cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Forensic Facility.Fulfilling a long-time commitment to build the Bucks County’s first-ever forensic facility – a $7 million complex that combines the resources of the Coroner’s office, District Attorney and county detective office under one, state-of-the-art roof – Bucks County Commissioners Charles H. Martin, chairman, James F. Cawley, Esq. and Sandra A. Miller today cut the ribbon to officially open the building in Warminster Twp. It is located at 850 Eagle Way in Warminster Twp., on Jacksonville Rd. between Bristol and Street roads.

The project, initially approved during the Nov. 2, 2005 commissioners’ meeting in the neighboring Warminster Twp. municipal building, will allow Coroner Dr. Joseph Campbell and his staff to conduct all post-mortem operations in one centralized facility. The building can hold up to 70 corpses, which will be housed in a refrigerated room, creating a regional mass casualty repository should the need arise. A small freezer will be available for long-term storage of unclaimed bodies – which are becoming more prevalent. The endeavor represents an enormous upgrade for the county, as autopsies previously were performed at area hospitals. The facility includes a state-of-the-art crime lab, which will allow investigators to conduct an in-house array of forensic testing which previously had to be outsourced.

Commissioner Martin speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony“This is a key step in our plan to provide Bucks County taxpayers with an unparalleled level of service and enhance our public safety platform,” Chairman Martin said, “It is important to note that this facility is located just across Jacksonville Rd. from our Emergency Operations Center, where a 911 communications annex is rapidly nearing completion.”

Commissioners Martin, James F. Cawley, Esq., and Sandra A. Miller were joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Chief Operating Officer David Sanko, Dr. Campbell, District Attorney Diane Gibbons, First Assistant District Attorney David Zellis, members of the Coroner’s staff, and members of the District Attorney’s Staff. Sanko noted that the forensic facility’s design was based on professional consultations and visits to other similar facilities, including the State Police crime lab.

 

Photos:

Commissioner Cawley speaks during the ceremony
Commissioner Miller speaks at the ceremony.
The Commissioners take a look at one of the rooms with Carol Sendecki, director of the crime lab.
Bucks County Coroner, Dr. Joseph Campbell in a refrigeration room.