By Mark Gilger
The News-Item
SUNBURY — There was a lot of gratitude expressed in the aftermath of Wednesday’s fire that destroyed Northumberland County Prison.
The words “controlled chaos” were used by some to describe the hectic atmosphere and brave and generous actions by firefighters, police, emergency personnel, prison staff and members of the community.
Several people, including commissioners, prison guards, the warden, prison board members, lawyers, judges, citizens and court officials said they were “amazed” at how people came together during the disaster for the safety of the inmates, employees and community.
During an emergency prison board meeting and press conference Thursday morning at the county administration center that was so crowded people had to stand in the lobby, officials took turns commending everyone who assisted with the fire in any way while attempting to sort out solutions to a logistics nightmare caused by the blaze that condemned the prison.
“There was a tremendous outpouring of support, and I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi said at the outset of the meeting.
Clausi’s thoughts were echoed by fellow Commissioners Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy, Warden Bruce Kovach, Commander Brian Wheary and others.
“Some people described the scene as chaos, but it wasn’t chaos,” Shoch said. “It was people doing what they are trained to do.”
“We have a big job in front of us, and we must all work together,” Clausi said. “There must be no more fighting or bickering.”
Shoch said county officials must consider all the options and not make a rash decision involving the future of the prison. “We must meet the short-term needs first, and then address the long-term needs,” he said.
‘So proud’
Shoch praised everyone involved at the scene of the fire and particularly commended the Rev. Ron Troup, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church across the street from the prison. Troup allowed all 208 prisoners to be temporarily housed in the social hall and sanctuary of the church while firefighters battled the blaze.
Controller and prison board member Chris Grayson said he was especially thankful that no serious injuries resulted from the fire, and that citizens of Sunbury and Northumberland County were never in harm’s way.
State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) of the Sunbury area, who was lauded by commissioners for her assistance, said, “It was a difficult situation for everyone, but there was a tremendous response by firefighters, police, inmates, prison staff, community residents and businesses. I’m so proud to represent this area.”
In addition to all the emergency personnel from multiple counties who responded to the fire, Sunbury Mayor David Persing, Chief of Police Brad Hare and Fire Chief Ken Kipple were recognized for their outstanding efforts.
Kovach, who took over as warden at the beginning of the month, said, “Everyone went above and beyond their duties. They handled the fire in a professional manner and their response was great. The staff was very reassuring to the inmates and I’m very proud of the safe evacuation of the prison.”
Kovach was hired in December to replace Roy Johnson, who was fired in August.
Wheary added, “We faced a serious security and safety issue with the fire, but everything went smoothly. Our staff was trained to deal with a situation like this and nobody was too busy not to show up at the fire to help us.”
Wheary, who broke his right leg at the outset of the fire but remained on scene before later going to the hospital, said he and Kovach will operate out of an office at SCI-Coal Township, while other staff members will be assigned to the administration center in Sunbury.
Wheary, who was on crutches Thursday, just returned to duty earlier this month after undergoing knee surgery.
Magisterial District Judges Hugh Jones, Benjamin Apfelbaum and Michael Diehl, Deputy Court Administrator Kevin O’Hearn, Treasurer Kevin Gilroy, Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger, Register and Recorder Mary Zimmerman, Coroner James Kelley, District Attorney Ann Targonski and Sheriff Robert Wolfe also were in attendance, along with a contingent of correctional officers.
Targonski and Wolfe are members of the prison board.
Clausi half-kiddingly warned the magistrates not to put prisoners in jail for menial crimes because the county can’t make room for them.
‘Controlled chaos’
Correctional Officer Lois Shuman said she was impressed by the team work displayed by prison staff and administrators in dealing with the fire. She pointed out that some officers and administrators are trained firefighters, which helped immensely with the evacuation efforts.
“We all stuck together,” she said.
Sgt. Krista Brouse, who has worked at the prison 12 years, said, “I’m amazed by everyone’s efforts yesterday (Wednesday). The inmates were orderly and staff members used their experience to conduct a successful evacuation. The response from firefighters and police also was excellent. I would call it controlled chaos.”
Another meeting was held Thursday afternoon involving prison board members and court officials to discuss scheduling, records, transportation and other issues.