Officers from departments across Butler County are joining together to create an Emergency Services Unit.
Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger says something like this has never been done before in Butler. The unit is currently comprised of 19 municipal officers from nine different departments but will likely grow with time.
The unit will respond to high-risk situations, including school violence and hostage situations…similar to a SWAT team. The unit will also be beneficial in areas of the county that do not have independent police departments. In those areas, State Police are the sole responders when incidents occur. Now, this unit will be able to respond in conjunction with the state police.
Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche called the formation of a such unit “probably long overdue.”
Goldinger says each municipality will be responsible for paying their officers when they respond with this unit. A $21,000 grant is also helping the unit get started.
