Thompson Announces $250,000 for Lycoming County Emergency Operations Center

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, announced today that he has secured federal funding for the Lycoming County Emergency Operations Center. The funding was part of the fiscal year 2009 omnibus appropriations bill requested by Thompson’s predecessor, John Peterson, who was a Member of the House Appropriations Committee.

“As a volunteer fighter and emergency medical technician, I know firsthand the importance of having reliable equipment and a centralized command center,” said Thompson, a 30 year veteran of the Howard Fire Company. “Having the ability to work under the same roof will allow for better communications among departments and in turn provide a better level of service to the community.”

The federal funds will be used to assist in the expansion of the emergency operations center. This command center will house the 911 communications center, the emergency management agency, regional emergency medical services, and hazardous materials planning for Lycoming and Sullivan Counties.

“The County is extremely grateful for Congressman Thompson’s assistance in securing the much-needed $250,000 to accommodate the planned expansion of the capacity and capabilities of the Emergency Operations Center and 911 Call Center—a joint facility that serves residents throughout Lycoming and Sullivan Counties,” said Commissioner Rebecca Burke, Chair of the Lycoming County Board of Commissioners. “The demands of the County’s public safety mission continue to increase, placing additional strains on existing equipment and the aging facility. These Federal funds are welcome news.”

The funds will be allocated through the Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Services (COPS).

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