Submitted photo
Pictured, from left, are Commissioner Kevin Kodish, 911 Supervisor Josh Pennepacker, telecommunicator Sadie Isett, telecommunicator Justin Trego, Commissioner Rob Postal, and Commissioner Noah Wise.

LEWISTOWN — Public safety telecommunicators serve as the calm, steady voice on the other end of the line when residents face their most urgent moments.

Often unseen by the public, 911 dispatchers are responsible for gathering critical information, providing lifesaving instructions and coordinating emergency response under intense pressure. Their work is essential not only to those calling for help, but also to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who rely on accurate and timely information to respond safely and effectively.

As emergency situations grow more frequent and complex, the role of telecommunicators continues to expand. Dispatch centers must manage increasing call volumes while maintaining professionalism, compassion and precision around the clock. The ability of telecommunicators to remain composed during moments of crisis is a cornerstone of an effective public safety system.

Recognizing that importance, the Mifflin County Commissioners proclaimed this week — April 12-18, 2026 — as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during their regular meeting at the Mifflin County Courthouse on Thursday morning.

Commissioners noted that the county’s 911 Dispatch Center has experienced a significant surge in activity, with call volume up by approximately 2,000 calls compared to the same point last year. The proclamation honored the dedication, professionalism and service of Mifflin County’s telecommunicators, whose work plays a vital role in keeping residents and first responders safe.

Donations made to area pools

As they have in previous years, the commissioners approved $5,000 contributions to both the Rec Park Pool and Burnham Community Pool.

Infrastructure, energy and technology initiatives

The commissioners approved:

A $15,900 HVAC study for the Mifflin County Courthouse, marking the first phase of a multi-year effort to modernize building systems and prepare for future capital improvements.

A second extension for a proposed 5,400-panel solar farm in Wayne Township, allowing the developer until February 2027 to satisfy remaining conditional approval requirements. All future engineering and review costs associated with the project will be borne by the developer.

A $103,227 cybersecurity grant through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The funding will strengthen the county’s network detection capabilities and provide cybersecurity training for county staff.

Public health and victim services support

The commissioners approved:

To support opioid remediation efforts, the commissioners approved participation in a $9,575 settlement with drug distributors, separate from the county’s larger ongoing opioid litigation recoveries. The funds will be directed toward local opioid treatment and prevention efforts.

An application for Victims of Crime Act funding totaling $55,380 for the upcoming grant year. The commissioners noted the grant reflects a 7.5% reduction in federal funding, a trend that might require the county to seek alternative service models or additional funding sources in future years to maintain victim services.

Rothrock Week is April 19-25, 2026

The commissions proclaimed that next week – April 19-25 – to be Rothrock Week. There will be a special ceremony in McVeytown to honor Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, who is considered the “Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania.”

Personnel matters

The commissioners approved the hiring of:

Jessica Henry as tax claim clerk, effective April 15;

Aidan Arnold and Scott Walter as part-time corrections officers, effective April 20;

Sydney Crosson as children and youth caseworker I, effective April 27;

Olivia Morrison as janitor, effective May 4.

The commissioners approved the promotion of Fredy Espinal from part-time to full-time corrections officer, effective April 19, 2026.

The commissioners approved the transfer of Barbara Lepley from case coordinator II to human resources and assistant chief clerk, effective April 27, 2026.

Next meeting

The commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Mifflin County Courthouse. They meet on the first and third Thursdays of every month, and the fifth Thursday when applicable. A meeting is not scheduled for April 30.