If we want to support first responders, we need to give them the tools to do their job
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Contact:
Trevor Maloney – email: trevor@delcovictory.com | cell: (561) 803-5553
Delco Democrats Blast Republican Public Safety Record, Call For New 911 Emergency System
Media, PA - Today, the three Democratic candidates for Delaware County Council blasted Republicans for neglecting public safety and called for County Council to swiftly approve funds for a new system to better protect first responders and keep Delco families safe.
“Government has no greater responsibility than ensuring the safety and security of its people. But under decades of Republican leadership, the safety of our first responders and residents has been woefully neglected, said Democrat Christine Reuther, candidate for County Council.
“It’s reprehensible that our 911 emergency radio system hasn’t been updated in 30 years, particularly after the harrowing experience in 2016 of a Folcroft police officer, who after being shot seven times, was unable to alert first responders due to a failure in the system, Ms. Reuther continued.
In June of 2016, after Folcroft police officer sent out a desperate call for help through the 911 emergency radio system after he was shot seven times. Due to a glitch in the outdated radio system, his pleas for help went unheard and unanswered. Fortunately, other nearby police officers heard their wounded colleague’s calls and were able to rescue him.
Delaware County’s current radio system is thirty years old, and is significantly outdated as improvements in technology rapidly increase. Democrats as well as leadership from the Fraternal Order of Police stressed the need for a new 911 emergency radio system to protect the lives of first responders and the public.
“Our current radio system is outdated and vulnerable to hacks. Municipal police chiefs as well as FOP leadership have been pleading with County Council to invest in a new 911 emergency radio system. While Republicans don’t seem to be listening, Democrats certainly are. Nothing is more important than public safety,” said Democrat Elaine Paul Schaefer, a candidate for County Council.
“We need a new emergency radio system sooner rather than later. It just seems like we’re dragging our feet on this. Every day we’re without a new radio system is a day that police officers and other first responders are unnecessarily put at risk. Yes, this upgrade requires a significant investment. But you can’t put a price on our safety. We strongly support the Democrats’ push to get this done,” said Christopher D. Eiserman, Second Vice President, Delaware County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27.
After decades of neglecting this issue, the Republican-controlled County Council finally tasked Tim Boyce, Director of Delaware County Emergency Services, with finding a consultant to help construct a plan for a new radio system.
“Republicans have done such a poor job of planning for Delco’s future, particularly when it comes to this issue and public safety in general. Once Director Boyce finds a consultant to recommend a plan, County Council should swiftly approve the hire and prepare to fully fund a new system,” said Democrat Monica Taylor, a candidate for County Council.
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