Elliott, Plummer made county better, safer

I am writing to thank Warren Elliott and Cheryl Plummer as they prepare to step down as County Commissioners. The Fire Chiefs' Association and the community have greatly benefited from their leadership and willingness to work with us.

If you think back, Warren was on the first Board of Commissioners, which voted to move ahead with having 911 in our county. His fellow commissioners at that time, Joe Ausherman and Dennis Zeger are both deceased, but they should all be commended for their vision. It's hard to believe that just 20 years ago, there was no 911 in this county and without their leadership, who knows where we would have gotten this life saving system in place.

Also, just five years ago there was no Franklin County Public Safety Training Center. It would not have happened without Warren Elliott, Cheryl Plummer and Bob Thomas, the current Board of Commissioners. It was their idea to get all of the municipalities on board, and Warren helped chair the effort and took me personally to meet with Senator Terry Punt and Governor Ridge's staff, to get additional funds from the state, as well as meeting with the Joint Authority of School Districts and many individual municipalities.

I also want to thank these folks for helping to get our training center on solid ground. This is where many of our future volunteers will come from and their help to see that it will continue was vital, as well as, the other governmental, public and business leaders that have been involved. However, we will miss the leadership and guidance that Warren and Cheryl have provided.

The Commissioners have helped to make our county better and safer. I look forward to working with Bob Thomas and the newly elected Bob Ziobrowski and Dave Keller, to continue the safety and welfare of the citizens and communities of Franklin County. However, thanks so much to Warren and Cheryl and good luck with your future endeavors.

Kenneth North FCFCA Training

Coordinator