Delaware County to Hold Annual September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Delaware County’s September 11th Day of Remembrance Ceremony, hosted by Delaware County Council and the District Attorney, will be held on Monday, September 11, at 1:30 p.m. at the 911 Memorial in Rose Tree Park, located at 1671 N. Providence Rd., in Media, PA. The ceremony will be held in the back of the park, where the law enforcement, fire, EMS, and 911 memorials are located. 

This year, we will once again gather to reflect and remember the heroes lost as a result of the attacks on September 11th, to honor the County’s First Responders who have died in the line of duty, and give thanks to those who continue to serve and protect our community.

September 11th changed our world forever. We will never forget that tragic day, when almost 3,000 men, women, and children were taken from us in a cruel, violent terrorist attack on our land. We invite you to join us in Rose Tree Park to honor these heroes.

The ceremony will be held in the back of the park, where the law enforcement, fire, EMS, and 911 memorials are located. 

Delaware County Council formally introduced COL Arthur L. Jenkins Jr. as the County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Director during their September 6 public meeting. 

COL Jenkins graduated from the Pennsylvania State Officer Candidate School (OCS) program and was commissioned as an Officer in the Medical Service Corps. His most recent assignment was serving as the Taskforce Medical Commander for Operation Allies Welcome. A former Commander of the largest Wounded Warrior Company in the Department of Defense, he is also a Carlisle Scholar graduate of the United States Army War College.

COL Jenkins will lead the County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Department, which serves Veterans and their families, with a focus on increasing awareness of the benefits and resources available to Veterans and their dependents.

“Veterans were major contributors while serving their country and they want to continue contributing long after their distinguished military careers have come to an end,” said COL Jenkins. “Essential to this task is ensuring that each Veteran is aware and informed of the vast resources available to them.”

COL Jenkins has set goals for he and his team to increase awareness surrounding the office, participate in military-affiliated events throughout the community, establish periodic gatherings for Veterans to connect and be celebrated, and connect with the County’s elected officials and organizations to connect residents with his department.

“There are far too many Veterans within Delaware County whose stories of extraordinary service are untold and unsung,” said COL Jenkins. “Our office will also serve as a platform to acknowledge them and convey their incredible stories!”

More information on the County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Department can be found on their website, linked below.

National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week will be observed this year from September 10 – 16. This solemn period serves as a poignant reminder of the unique challenges faced by all Americans, but especially those who have selflessly served our country and the importance of supporting their mental health and well-being.

Veterans often carry the weight of their service long after their active duty ends. The transition to civilian life can be incredibly challenging, and many veterans grapple with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, these struggles can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide.

According to a recent Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the suicide rate among Veterans is 1.5 times greater than the non-Veteran population ages 18+, with over 6,000 Veterans dying by suicide each year. Despite accounting for just 7.9% of the population, Veterans account for 13.5% of all suicide deaths in the United States.

National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week is a time for us to come together as a nation and raise awareness about the mental health issues veterans face. It's an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and to express our gratitude by ensuring they have access to the mental health resources they need.

During this week, communities, organizations, and individuals across the country engage in various activities such as educational seminars, outreach programs, and fundraising events to support veteran mental health initiatives. Together, we can send a powerful message: No veteran should ever feel alone or without hope.

Veterans in crisis and those concerned about one can call the confidential 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 (then pressing 1). This line is available for veterans and active-duty military — even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Support doesn't end with the conversation. Veterans Crisis Line responders will connect callers with the resources they need.

Delaware County veterans can also access information, resources, and general assistance for veterans through the County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Department on their website, or by phone at (610) 891-4646.

It's our duty as a nation to remember that the battle doesn't always end on the battlefield. By fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and support, we can help our veterans heal and thrive in civilian life. National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week serves as a vital reminder of this commitment and a call to action for all of us to stand by our heroes in their time of need.

A short video on the Veterans Crisis Line

Delaware County Council is proud to announce that the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services 911 Center has earned the Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO) International’s coveted Agency Training Program Certification and was recognized during the APCO’s 89th Annual Conference and Expo held in Nashville, TN, on August 6-9.

This significant milestone reflects the County’s unwavering commitment to excellence in emergency response and public safety and is a major accomplishment for the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services (DES), led by Director Timothy A. Boyce.

“We are honored that our 911 Center has received APCO’s Agency Training Program Certification,” said Director Boyce. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, led by Chief of Operation’s Anthony Mignogna, who continually strive to enhance their skills and knowledge to better serve our community in times of crisis.”

Certification affirms that the Center’s training curriculum, policies and procedures, and employees all meet strict national standard standards, and demonstrates the commitment to providing Delaware County residents with exceptional services and extraordinarily well-trained staff members that exceed national standards. Less than 100 “Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)” across the country have earned the prestigious distinction.

“Certification is not just a recognition of excellence; it's a testament to the enhanced safety and peace of mind it brings to our residents,” said Delaware County Council Member Kevin Madden. “With a highly trained and prepared 911 Center, our community can rest assured that they will receive the best possible assistance during emergencies, and we congratulate Director Boyce and Chief of Operation’s Anthony Mignogna for their leadership.”

The certification comes less than five years after a self-evaluation by DES leadership recognized that there were significant opportunities to enhance and improve existing 911 Center procedures, protocols, and trainings. DES then embarked on a multi-year project to assess and improve operational and training protocols and documentation that would adhere to the highest standards. 

“Along with Chief of 911 Operations Mignogna, I would like to recognize Training Officers Samantha Cox and William McNeill for working tirelessly on this project, and the training department for helping with the countless hours of classroom and practical hours of training that needed to earn this certification,” said Director Boyce.

Certification is valid for a period of three years and will require recertification on a three-year cycle thereafter.

Delaware County Council held a public meeting on Tuesday, August 22, to provide an analysis of municipal Advanced Life Support (ALS) services in the County.  

The primary goal of the public meeting was to provide stakeholders with information and resources to help make informed choices in balancing the efficiency, operations, and cost certainty of ALS services. First Responders, officials from municipalities, and elected officials were encouraged to attend the meeting either in person or a virtually. 

The presentation is linked below, and can be found on the Delaware County website at https://delcopa.gov/departments/als.html.

Click to review presentation

Click for data packet

Delaware County has launched a new online survey to solicit additional community input regarding the new 213-acre park currently being planned for the former Don Guanella School site in Marple Township.

The new survey asks residents to share their thoughts on the park’s master plan and the various park features, amenities, and design considerations that have resulted from a nearly year-long community engagement process 

Details about the master plan and the proposed park future, including pictures, maps, and renderings, are included in the survey, so no prior knowledge of the park is necessary. Completion of the park takes an estimated five minutes.

Your completion of this survey will help ensure that the community’s vision is reflected in the master plan and make sure that Delaware County creates a destination park that excites residents and visitors alike.

We want to hear from everyone! Residents can complete the new survey at delcopa.gov/newparksurvey2.

Please note that ALL residents — including those who completed the first park survey published in the Spring of 2023 — are urged to complete this new survey.

SEPTA is conducting public hearings regarding changes to the bus network in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties. These changes are proposed as part of SEPTA Forward: Bus Revolution, the authority's first comprehensive redesign of its entire bus network.

Members of the public can attend hearings in-person or join a virtual hearing. These hearings will take place at locations throughout the SEPTA service area during September.

Virtual Public Hearing Schedule:

• Wednesday, September 13, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 13, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Delaware County In-Person Public Hearing Schedule (Two Hearings in County):

Chester City Hall

1 E 4th St, Chester, PA 19013

Tuesday, September 26 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Upper Darby Township Building

100 Garret Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082

Thursday, September 28 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Learn more on the SEPTA Bus Revolution website at www.septabusrevolution.com.

Delaware County Govt Official 2023 Calendar

Meet your Delaware County Council members

The Delaware County Health Department website