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County highlights emergency-preparedness upgrades after summer storm; commissioners approve proclamation and praise EMA work
Summary
Susquehanna County approved a proclamation designating September as Emergency Preparedness Month and heard from EMA Director Scott Ellsworth about storm response, a new drone program and a freezer trailer purchase to aid future emergencies.
Susquehanna County Commissioners approved a proclamation designating September as Emergency Preparedness Month and heard a briefing from Scott Ellsworth, the county's emergency management director, on recent preparedness upgrades and storm response.
Ellsworth described a July storm that caused substantial localized damage in the Oakland, Tuscarora Depot and Lanesborough areas and credited county emergency teams with response efforts. He also summarized equipment purchases and program developments: the county has acquired a drone with at least one FAA-approved pilot, is preparing a vehicle to house the drone, and purchased a freezer trailer to support community needs during heat events or power outages.
Commissioners said the investments — the drone program and freezer trailer — improve capabilities for law enforcement, emergency services and first responders. Ellsworth also noted the county's Emergency Operations Center in Gibson, calling it "state of the art." The proclamation (Proclamation 25-31) was approved by unanimous voice vote.
The meeting record shows no new line-item funding authorized at the meeting for these purchases; commissioners described the purchases as completed or in the final stages of delivery. The EMA director said additional FAA-approved pilots are being sought to staff the drone program.
Commissioners thanked Ellsworth and EMA staff for preparedness work and emphasized the county's focus on warning systems and first-responder support.
