Chester County officials are mourning the death of Ed Atkins (right, pictured here with Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley in February), the County Director of the Department of Emergency Services, who died Monday
WEST CHESTER — Chester County officials are mourning the death of County Director of the Department of Emergency Services, Ed Atkins, who died Monday.
Atkins, a former Air Force officer, had led the office since 1997.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Ed Atkins,” Costello said in a statement. “Ed was a pioneer in guiding Chester County into a new era of 911 and emergency services. In the 17 years that he led the Department of Emergency Services, his passion helped to position public safety as one of the highest rated services available to our citizens. His determination and dedication to the development of the Public Safety Training Campus, the County’s Strategic National Stockpile program, and the implementation of the new radio communication system earned our tremendous respect, as well as the respect of his staff, first responders, county work colleagues, and his emergency management colleagues in the region, the state and nationwide.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ed’s family during this time,” Costello said.
Ed was a wonderful man whose dedication to the safety of the people of Chester County was evident in all that he did. I was honored to meet him and work with him just a bit. He will be missed.