Andrew Johnson named to 911 Center post / By Martha Knight

SMETHPORT—Port Allegany Borough Council president Andrew Johnson was present for the McKean County Commissioners’ meeting Friday morning, not on a lobbying mission on behalf of the borough but to be presented as the county’s new 911 Center Director.

In making the announcement DeMott said Johnson will assume his new duties as of March 10.

As for his ongoing service as a borough council member, Johnson said after the meeting that the commissioners’ solicitor, Dan Hartle, is researching any possible Hatch Act implications of his dual borough and county roles, what with the 911 post being a full-time one. (The Hatch Act is a federal measure that restricts the political activities of certain federal and state officials agency members where federal funds are involved.)

In a statement, Johnson said “Emergency services have been a great passion of mine and it is extremely humbling to be given this responsibility. The staff at the 911 Center is a talented group of professionals who share my passion and dedication.”

He added, “I am eager to get started. I believe through the leadership and dedication of (the commissioners) we will work successfully as a team to strengthen public safety for the people in McKean County.”

DeMott’s announcement included the statement that Johnson “is an excellent match for this critical position.” Citing Johnson’s record of public service, DeMott  pointed out that Johnson “has a history of leading emergency services through training and organizational development.

Johnson’s previous experience at the 911 Center has been as a part-time dispatcher. Other public safety service has included being an EMT-B instructor and a director for the Port Area Ambulance Service (PAAS), and long service as a volunteer firefighter for Star Hose Company No. 1 (the organizational name of the Port Allegany Fire Department). At Star Hose he has served as lieutenant and captain, and also as secretary.

Most recently Johnson as worked for DayOne Systems, following other sales jobs. He has also been president of the Port Allegany Area Economic Development Corp.

Johnson is in his second term as a member of the Port Allegany Borough Council, where he has been president for the past two years. He has also been a director of the Port Allegany Area United Fund and the Port Allegany Main Street Revitalization Corporation.

A lifelong Port Allegany resident, Johnson studied political science and pre-law at Gannon University, Erie, and business administration and management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

He founded and was the first chairman of the McKean County Young Republicans.