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Lancaster deputy chief backs code updates to clarify emergency management roles and alternate EOC sites
Summary
Deputy Chief DeLong presented proposed edits to city code chapter 136, updating terminology, adding 'all hazards' language, specifying that the emergency management coordinator will directly connect with county, state and federal partners, and adding the fire bureau as an alternate emergency operations center location; committee voted to forward the ordinance to the Jan. 13 meeting for first reading.
Deputy Chief DeLong told the public safety committee on Jan. 6 that proposed revisions to chapter 136 of the Lancaster city code are primarily updates to modernize terminology and to strengthen coordination roles.
"Most of the revisions that we're looking to do tonight are just updating terms," DeLong said. He added the draft adds "all hazards" and emergency operations center language and states that the emergency management coordinator will connect directly with county, state and federal agencies — a change DeLong described as "a big increase from the past revision of this chapter." He also said the fire bureau has been added as an alternate emergency-operations-center location to provide redundancy.
Councilors asked whether interagency cooperation has been needed since DeLong assumed the role; DeLong said the city increased outreach in 2025 and has built stronger relationships with county and neighboring municipalities, calling the work "a work in progress across the board." Councilor Michonne thanked DeLong for the outreach and noted the importance of Lancaster leading coordination across the county.
Councilor Mijan amended the committee motion to move the ordinance forward to the council meeting on Jan. 13 for first reading; the committee approved the amendment and the item will appear on the Jan. 13 agenda.
