County's SWAT-type team near penniless
Has no budget, thanks donors who keep it afloat
By JOHN BUGBEE The York Dispatch
Friday, June 18, 2004 - The police officers who serve on the York County Quick Response Team admit they're reduced to scrounging for what little money and assistance they get to purchase equipment, ammunition and fuel for their vehicles.
"We've become masters at begging," said York City Police Lt. Wes Kahley, the team's ranking officer. "In all honesty, we have a zero budget."
So when the team decided to thank those individuals, businesses and organizations who've donated funds and material, members had to reach into their own pockets just to buy the plaques that were handed out last night during a ceremony at the Police Heritage Museum in York City.
Although it doesn't have a budget, the team's costs run about $35,000 annually, Kahley said.
Any of the county's police departments can use the 35-member team in hostage and barricade situations, as well as for assistance in serving high-risk warrants. The team was called out 14 times last year.
Members also are trained to respond to terrorism attacks as part of the South Central Pennsylvania Counter-Terrorism Task Force.
The team's members include 16 officers from the York City Police Department, and officers from Northern York County Regional Police, York Area Regional Police and Springettsbury, Spring Garden and Newberry townships. Each department covers their own officers for equipment and time away.
Although those departments and municipalities make contributions, the team has primarily functioned hand-to-mouth since it went from being a city police operation to a countywide service two years ago.
"Right now we're just limping along," city Police Commissioner Mark Whitman said.
The lack of funding is so chronic that during last year's Olde York Street Fair, team members took a soaking in the dunk tank that was good for $800.
By working with the York County Chiefs of Police Association, Whitman said, the York County Commissioners might eventually be persuaded to include the team in its annual budget.
The team is still waiting to learn if it's eligible for state and federal law-enforcement grants, Kahley said.
Support: Among those who received plaques were members of the York Riflemen's Association, which allows the team's sharpshooters to use its range in Hellam Township free of charge.
Plaques also were given to York County District Attorney Stan Rebert, chief deputy prosecutor Bill Graff and Samantha Dorm of the county's Criminal Justice Advisory Board for their legal assistance and support of the team.
George Hansford, Chris Keech and Jim Miller, employees of Custom Machine in Windsor Township, received plaques for contributing their time to modify the team's armored vehicle, known as the "Peace Keeper."
"We just took the ideas these guys (on the team) had and brought it to fruition," Miller said.
The Peace Keeper provides the team with protection if they come under fire.
Since it was acquired last year, the used armored vehicle has undergone about $15,000 in modifications that were donated in time and material. The team is also looking to raise money to convert a van donated by Snyder's of Hanover into an equipment transporter.
Also receiving plaques were the Fraternal Order of Eagles of York and the York County Constables Association, which donated $1,000 each to the team.
