MAHONING COUNTY Officials plan action after bomb threat

YOUNGSTOWN -- It's time for government employees to change they way they look at bomb threats and other emergencies, a Mahoning County official said.
"Our roles have changed in government," said county Administrator Gary Kubic. "It's different after Sept. 11."
He was referring to terrorist attacks launched against the United States when hijacked jets slammed into the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon.
The county courthouse, administration building and jail were among buildings that had to be cleared when an anonymous caller phoned in a bomb threat late Thursday morning. Employees were evacuated while the buildings were searched, then returned to work at 1 p.m.
Meeting canceled: County commissioners had just begun a business meeting at the recycling division offices in Austintown when the threat was reported. They immediately canceled the meeting and left to check the situation at the courthouse. No business was conducted before the meeting ended.
Although threats have always been taken seriously and the necessary precautions taken, Kubic said the reaction they spur has changed among government workers.
The threats are meant to cause fear, but "I think we're getting pretty mad now," Kubic said.
He was pleased with the way employees and elected officials conducted themselves during Wednesday's episode.
Kubic said that given the heightened awareness about terrorism and possible strikes against the government, Kubic said county employees will be schooled in how to deal with such emergencies should another one occur.
Being alert: It's important for employees to be alert to anything or any person who appears suspicious, Kubic said. Anything they notice must immediately be reported to the authorities.
"We're going to make sure our people are trained," Kubic said. "They are the ones who work in these buildings every day, so they are the ones who can recognize if there is something odd."
He said government employees are still charged with providing service to the public, and must work together to ensure that public buildings are a safe environment.
bjackson@vindy.com