Police Chief, Local Eateries Praised for Help During President's Visit

President Donald J. Trump's visit to Martinsburg in October lasted just over an hour, but the day was much longer for the police and first responders who pulled together to make it a safe experience not only for the president, but the thousands of citizens who converged on the airport to catch a glimpse of the commander in chief.

To prepare for a presidential visit, lots of details need to be worked out in a short amount of time and cooperation among the Secret Service, Pa. State Police, local law enforcement and first responders is critical to ensure the safety of not only the president, but the citizens in attendance.

North Woodbury Township Police Chief David Rosamilia said the event, which attracted thousands, went as smoothly as any event that size could and he praised local authorities for the work they put in to make it a success.

"Our police departments and first responders did an outstanding job with the president's visit," he said. "It was a logistical challenge but nothing that couldn't be handled."

Chief Rosamilia himself was thanked for his work before, during and after the event by U.S. Rep. John Joyce (R-13th District). Rep. Joyce sent Chief Rosamilia a letter which was presented by Blair County Sheriff James Ott.

The letter from Rep. Joyce stated that Rosamilia "... did an amazing job to serve and protect our President, as well as the thousands of Americans who rallied with us."

Rosamilia said the state police provided a lot of the resources needed for security during the president's visit and praised the Blair County 9-1-1 Center for its role in making the day a success.

"The 9-1-1 center is to be commended for everything they did," he said. "They brought their mobile command unit in and set it up at the airport which was nice because we had everything right there."

With the number of police, firefighters and other first responders working the event, Rosamilia said everyone was assigned a post and that is where they stayed.

"Everybody had a mission throughout the day," he said.

Since everybody had their assignments, and with the safety of the president at stake, leaving your post was not an option, meaning hours of standing in one place and no lunch break.

However, according to Rosamilia, nobody went hungry thanks to some Cove-area restaurants who made sure the men and women working to protect the president were fed.

"I want to express my heartfelt appreciation and thanks for the businesses that contributed to the emergency services by providing outstanding food and drinks to everybody." Rosamilia said.

Rosamilia said Tradition's Restaurant, Fox's Pizza, Subway of Martinsburg and Ritchey's Dairy provided more than a hundred meals to those working the event.

"Once we get on post you can't leave, and some of us were working 20 hours," Rosamilia said. "For them to be able to provide that food was a huge help."

Rosamilia said of all the things law enforcement had to worry about during the president's visit, to have local eateries take the initiative to provide the food was a big help.

"It was very heartwarming to see the vehicles roll in," he said. "A pickup truck bed full of food for everyone and when you are out on an event like that – it means so much to us."

Rosamilia said that the way the community came together and showcased its spirit during the president's visit is something everyone should be proud of. He said it is indicative of how people in the Cove look out for one another and even when times are tough, people always step up.

"The people around here are just absolutely amazing," he said. "To donate that much food, and during a pandemic when things may not be going as well for them, just shows what kind of people we have here."

Chief Rosamilia provided the Herald with a copy of the letter sent to him by Rep. Joyce.

TEXT OF THE LETTER

December 22, 2020

Dear Chief Rosamilia,

Thank you for your incredible work to facilitate President Donald J. Trump's visit to Blair County on Monday, October 26. You did an amazing job to serve and protect our President, as well as the thousands of Americans who rallied with us.

Within a matter of mere days, you coordinated a remarkable event. As chief collaborator with the U.S. Secret Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, and the Trump campaign, you orchestrated a seamless operation. The flawless execution of this rally – the first presidential visit to Blair County in decades – is a testament to your leadership, resourcefulness, and dedication.

It was the honor of a lifetime to welcome President Trump to the Blair County Airport – and you were the key to this rally's success. Thank you, again, for overcoming unprecedented challenges to make this such a proud day for Martinsburg and our region.

We are fortunate to have you at the helm of the North Woodbury Township Police Department. Thank you for your selfless service to our community and for your continued partnership in serving the people of North Woodbury Township.

Sincerely,

[Signed]

John Joyce, M.D.

Member of Congress