YOUNGSTOWN Citizens Corps panel meets for first time

The local council appears to be the first one in Ohio.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County citizens who've wanted to get involved in the homeland security effort after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America now have a chance.
The Mahoning County Citizens Corps offers a way for citizens to volunteer their services in time of emergency. The Citizens Corps council, appointed recently by county commissioners, met for the first time Wednesday.
"After the terrorist attacks, there was a general cry from the public asking what they could do," said Walter Duzzny, emergency management agency director. "People just want to help, however they can."
Citizens Corps is a national program introduced by President Bush as part of his 2002 State of the Union address. According to a national Citizens Corps Web site, some 60 Citizens Corps councils have been created nationwide since then. None of them was in Ohio.
"Everybody in the community can participate in this program, regardless of their social background, ethnic background or economic background," Duzzny said.
He stressed that it's not a military effort, though. The objective is to give members of the community an opportunity to volunteer their services to specific areas of response and support should there be an actual emergency.
Under the Citizens Corps concept, existing programs like neighborhood block watches and Help Hotline will be expanded to add terrorist-related scenarios.
Three areas
The Citizens Corps is made up of three areas of volunteer service: The Medical Reserve Corps, Volunteers In Police Service and the Terrorist Information and Prevention System.
Each of those branches has a local official to oversee their operation.
Volunteers will be assigned to whichever branch would most utilize his or her skills, Duzzny said. For example, doctors and nurses would be assigned to the medical team and be mobilized in time of emergency.
Dr. Larry Woods of St. Elizabeth Hospital is head of that department. He is also a commander of the nationally certified Disaster Medical Assistance Team.
"I think it's very important that we develop our own local response team to call out in emergencies," he said.
John Swierz, Youngstown city council president, will oversee an expanded neighborhood watch program that will focus on preventing terrorism.
"Block watches are the eyes and ears of the neighborhoods," Swierz said. "They have a vested interest in their neighborhoods, so they look out for each other."
Sheriff Randall Wellington will head up the VIPS part of the program, while Maureen Drummond and Virginia Leskanick of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program are in charge of resource development.
Duzzny said volunteers must pass a background check by the sheriff's department and undergo 12 hours of training, which will be provided by the emergency management agency. Training will include life-saving skills, safety information and precaution and law enforcement principles.
bjackson@vindy.com