Homeland Security tells Youngstown police ‘thanks’

YOUNGSTOWN — A certificate of appreciation was presented today to the Youngstown Police Department Bomb Squad for “outstanding support during the 2008 Presidential Campaign.” The plaque came from the Department of Homeland Security, Unites States Secret Service, Akron office. Detective Sgt. Joe DeMatteo, squad commander, said there were 18 visits during the campaign by candidates and their surrogates. For each event, the bomb squad did a sweep of the speaking location and stayed until the end. He said the squad also checked hotels and restaurants for candidates who stayed overnight.