Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) :
Department of Homeland Security
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Region 13
Southwestern Pennsylvania Counterterrorism Task Force
PENNSYLVANIA
REGION 13
TASK FORCE
"No one can do it alone."
In Pennsylvania, multiple jurisdictions, agencies, and disciplines work together to strengthen our ability to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other catastrophic events.
Region 13 Task Force History
Homeland Security: A Return On Our Investment
The Pennsylvania Region 13 Task Force has a history of coordinated planning and protection that started as the Urban Area Working Group in the 1990s. After the events of 9/11, leaders in the region recognized the strength in organizing and working together. The Pittsburgh Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) uses HSGP funding to support counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure, and weapons of mass destruction response capabilities. There are no individual county or city projects approved, all projects are regional.
The Region 13 Task Force serves as a median between the Southwestern PA counties and state-level coordination including the following agencies:
- Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC)
- Governor's Office of Homeland Security (GOHS)
- Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
Committees
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Agriculture
Chair : Joel Landis , Somerset County
Vice Chair : Bud Mertz, Westmoreland County
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Communications
Chair : John Nicklin, Mercer County
Vice Chair : Tony Alviar, Fayette County
Fire and Hazmat
Chair : Tom Stutzman, Indiana County
Vice Chair : Art Martynuska, Cambria County
Health and Medical
Chair : Eric Brewer, Beaver County
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Law Enforcement
Chair : Frank Janetti, Mercer County
Marcellus Shale
Chair : Richard Policz, Greene County
Public Information
Chair : Cass Kovatch, Westmoreland County
Vice Chair: Kevin Whipple, Beaver County
Training
Chair : Amy Marree, Butler County
Vice Chair : Mike Mollick, Armstrong County
Technical Rescue
Chair : Chad Strobel, Lawrence County
Vice Chair : Brian Kokilla, City of Pittsburgh
Water Safety
Chair : Jim Bittner, Fayette County
Human Resources
Chair : Steve Bicehouse, Butler County
Vice Chair : Eric Brewer, Beaver County
Vice Chair : Bud Mertz, Westmoreland County
Participating Counties
The Region 13 Task Force is made of the 13 southwestern Pennsylvania counties, plus the City of Pittsburgh. Click the icons below to learn more about each agency :
Regional Coordination
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The Region 13 Task Force provides great depth in capabilities and is supported with Homeland Security funds:
- Law Enforcement - Training and equipment for Tactical Teams (SWAT), Explosive Ordinance Disposal, K9 Detection Teams
- Western Area All Hazards Fusion Center - Specialized terrorism and cyber intelligence gathering to protect critical infrastructure such as the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station, Marcellus Shale wells, and water treatment plants
- Fire and Hazardous Materials - Equipment and training for regional fire and hazmat activities
- Water Response and Safety - Equipment, planning and training for water response teams within the region
- Health and Medical - Training, exercises and equipment for first responders
- Communications - Regional Communications Network connects all counties in the region for coordination during response using interoperable voices and data communications as well as 9-1-1 traffic.
Region 13 Staff
Mailing Address
150 Hookstown Grade Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108
Phone Number
412-473-3762
Email Address
