By Brad Pedersen
The Leader Times
KITTANNNING, Pa. — The Armstrong County Commissioners and 911 Center are considering a county-wide telephone and internet-based warning system in the wake of the Armstrong County jail escape in July.
The system, which would send emergency messages to county residents’ cellular and land line phones, and email and social media accounts, could be up and running in late December, said Dave Battaglia, chairman of the Armstrong County Commissioners.
“We want a county-wide system that will be far more encompassing than just the area around the jail,” Battaglia said. “We certainly don’t want to see something happen like this again but, if it would, or if there were some other kind of emergency like an ice break or flood, we would be able to let everyone know very quickly.”
The commissioners are working with 911 Coordinator Ron Baustert to explore companies that offer alert systems. Battaglia expects to discuss the system, which could cost between $15,000 and $20,000, in November or December.
The warning system would be operated by the 911 center, Battaglia said.
“We want to hit every line of communication, because that’s the kind of system the people of Armstrong County deserve,” Battaglia said. “Everything needs to be covered.”
County officials’ first discussion of a warning system came during a special prison board meeting in August, after Robert Crissman Jr., a 38-year-old jail trusty from Boggs, walked out of the jail and allegedly killed Rayburn resident Tammy Long on July 30.
Rayburn resident Karen McClain, who lives within a quarter-mile of the jail, suggested the county install a siren at the jail to alert nearby residents when something happens at the facility.
When Crissman escaped, McClain said residents did not receive any warning about what was happening.
“When he escaped, the people near the jail were absolutely terrorized, so we need to make sure there is something to let people know what is happening quickly,” McClain said. “I really think a siren would be the best thing because it carries so far, but a phone system is a step in the right direction.”