Delco names new emergency chief

Weeks after Delaware County Emergency Services Director Ed Truitt stepped down from his position after nearly 40 years, the county has named its next 911-center successor.

Timothy Boyce, a career firefighter and former homeland security director for the county District Attorney's Office, was named to the post Wednesday.

Truitt, a 79-year-old Delaware County veteran, resigned unexpectedly in late October after heading the staff of 125 administrators, police, and fire dispatchers for decades. At the time, he did not specify a reason, according to County Solicitor Michael Maddren.

Days before, charges were filed against Truitt following a Sept. 29 car accident. According to court documents, Truitt faces charges of failing to "stop and give" aid - better known as a hit-and-run - as well as following too closely. Both are summary offenses. He also faces a third-degree misdemeanor charge of an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle.

Before taking the helm at the county's 911 Center in Lima, Boyce served as the deputy chief for the Upper Darby Fire Department for 27 years and had been homeland security director for the district attorney since 2008.

As a firefighter and deputy chief, he led two teams of firefighters to assist at ground zero in New York City following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, county officials said.

As homeland security director, he worked with police and fire departments, EMS officials, and others to address homeland security and public safety concerns.

"Tim Boyce is a dedicated public servant and an experienced leader in public safety. His expertise and leadership makes him an exemplary candidate for this position," said County Council Chairman Mario Civera Jr. in a statement Friday.

Delaware County's emergency services center handles more than one million requests for services each year.

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