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NEW CUMBERLAND -- Hancock County dispatchers were formally honored at Thursday's county commission meeting.
At the last meeting, 911 Dispatch Center Director Tracy Lemley announced she had received a letter from the Brooke County Sheriff's Office regarding the professionalism of her dispatchers during Aug. 14 shooting incident. The letter specifically honored dispatcher Aaron Beaumont for his work.
Lemley read the letter during the meeting. The letter from the Brooke County Sheriff Deputy Shane Siranovic read, "I noted the calm and professional demeanor that Aaron displayed. It goes without saying that the dispatchers working that evening did an amazing job and most definitely saved lives."
Lemley went on to read, "All of the Brooke County deputy sheriffs were treated with respect and were offered any assistance that was needed by the Hancock County dispatchers. Brooke County Sheriff's Office deputies made comments that, when contacting Hancock County 911 that the dispatchers were calm, professional and even tried to lighten the mood with small talk, that could mean the world to a police officer in a very violent and chaotic scene."
Lemley is proud of her team of dispatchers and their performance during the Aug. 14 incident.
"You don't get letters like this every day. And, I have said, ever since that incident occurred, that my dispatchers went above and beyond as far as I was concerned," said Lemley.
In other business, the commission:
¯ Sheriff Ralph Fletcher announced trick or treat will be held Thursday -- from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Weirton, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in New Cumberland, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Chester and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in unincorporated areas. He said the sheriff's department will be using the X-ray machine in the county courthouse to scan children's candy for any potentially harmful items from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. He also wants to remind drivers to be attentive while driving and to watch out for children who may walk out into traffic.
¯ Chuck Wright, clerk of circuit court, reminded residents there will be a jury trial scheduled for Thursday at the courthouse. Bob Vidas, executive director of the office of technology and communications, has set up a shuttle system to bring people to the courthouse during the trial. The first shuttle is scheduled for 7:15 a.m. and the pickup point will be big parking lot behind the New Cumberland fire station.
¯ Announced there will be a community cleanup at the Wells Building parking lot in Newell from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 2. There also will be a garbage truck driving around Newell on Saturday participating in the cleanup so residents who are unable to bring items to the Wells Building will be able to set items out for pickup. The cleanup is for household junk, demolition debris, old furniture, carpet, televisions, tires, scrap metal and old appliances.
¯ Approved advertising for the vacancies on the Hancock County Park Board.
¯ Approved the payment of exoneration orders, and the Animal Shelter Levy Fund, Library Levy Fund, and Sheltered Workshop Levy Fund bills and requisitions.
¯ Approved the payment of county bills totalling $1,156,231.
¯ Approved changes to the rest of the year's meeting schedule. The Nov. 28 meeting was moved to Nov. 26, and the Dec. 26 meeting was moved to 9 a.m. on Dec. 30.
¯ Scheduled a workshop session with legal council at 9 a.m. on Nov. 15.
The next meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 14.