Frazer seeking emergency management coordinator

Frazer is looking for a new emergency management coordinator.

Supervisors said the current emergency management coordinator, Jacob Eckberg, is moving out of the township in December.

“He did a good job,” Supervisor Lori Ziencik said.

Eckberg has been Frazer’s emergency management coordinator since April 2017. He also serves as assistant chief of Frazer Volunteer Fire Department No. 2, according to his Facebook page.

He didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The emergency management coordinator is a volunteer position. They are responsible for executing the township’s emergency management plan in the event of an emergency, such as a tornado or an explosion.

They also represent the township in working with Allegheny County’s emergency management staff and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. They can act as a liaison between municipal, county, state and federal officials when it comes to disaster relief.

Supervisor William Creevey used to be an emergency management coordinator. He said potential candidates should have a background in things like emergency management, first aid and rescue.

“It’s better to have a background as like a fireman, but not be a fireman because you can’t wear both hats at the same time,” Creevey said. “If you have a background in that type of stuff, it’s good because you have to do all that stuff.”

The emergency management coordinator is appointed by the governor after being recommended by the township supervisors, Ziencik said.

They would receive training from the county and work closely with police Chief Terry Kuhns, who handles most of the emergency situations in the township, Ziencik said.

Eckberg will serve in the position until the end of the year, Ziencik said. The appointment would take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Anyone interested in filling the position should send a letter of interest to the supervisors. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

“We would love to have a volunteer,” Ziencik said.