MAHONING CO. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT Captain leads new emergency unit

The disasters listed include earthquakes, sabotage and civil disturbances.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Capt. James M. Lewandowski has been named commander of the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department new Emergency Preparedness Unit and assigned to work with Walt Duzzny, the county's emergency management director.
In July 2003, Lewandowski was assigned to guard the Berlin and Milton dams, the causeways, the Interstate 76 bridges over Lake Milton and Meander Reservoir and the state Route 18 bridge over Meander. He worked the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift with days off midweek.
There's no new sheriff's department order showing anyone reassigned to guard the dams.
Lewandowski's transfer took effect this week. He is the sole member of the new unit so far and is working at the Mahoning County Emergency Management complex on Industrial Road. His schedule is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with weekends off.
Wellington's order
Sheriff Randall A. Wellington, in a general order to all personnel, said he wants his department to be prepared to respond to the increasing possibility "of disasters of unprecedented size and destructiveness." He said the preparations, some associated with Homeland Security, will "provide for the common defense, protecting the public peace, health, safety and general welfare and preserve the lives and property of the people of Mahoning County."
The sheriff said a reduced budget and the elimination of deputies assigned to patrol duties will hamper his department's ability to be prepared for and respond to emergencies. Defeat of a 0.5-percent sales tax this month means the sheriff has to lay off 150 deputies and curtail services.
He said the new emergency preparedness unit will plan for fires, earthquakes, chemical situations, explosions, bombs, civil disturbances, utility failures, sabotage, violent criminal behavior in group or gang structures and more.
Lewandowski's order says he must develop a plan compatible with Duzzny's agency.
The assignment includes budget projections for start-up and operations.
The sheriff wants monthly status reports that include a vulnerability assessment of the county. He called formation of the new unit a large undertaking and expressed confidence in Lewandowski's ability to develop and implement emergency plans.
meade@vindy.com