Delco emergency services chief out on leave after accident

MIDDLETOWN >> Longtime Delaware County Emergency Services Director Edwin J. Truitt went out on medical leave Friday, the same day summary charges against him involving a Sept. 29 vehicle accident were withdrawn by Pennsylvania State Police.

“I have no knowledge of that,” Truitt, 79, said Friday night of the withdrawal of the charges, which included duty to give information and render aid, and following too closely. The 40-year emergency services director was contacted by phone at his home in Upper Darby.

Having already entered not guilty pleas on both charges, Truitt said he’d been looking forward to his day in court.

Truitt said he after he rearended a vehicle at Routes 1 and 352 about 7:15 that rainy morning, he followed that vehicle into the parking lot of a nearby church.

“I got out of my car to assess the damage and I had no damage. When I looked for the other car it was gone. I had no idea where it went,” he said. “It’s bizarre. Whoever heard of the struck vehicle leaving the scene?”

Truitt said he didn’t know the make of the other vehicle, or who was driving.

Truitt, who repeatedly expressed his knowledge of his responsibilities both as a driver and county employee, said he proceeded to work and before long, a state trooper arrived to speak to him about the accident.

Regarding his medical leave, Truitt said he’s been under doctor’s care for the last three weeks for back issues.

According to a statement released Friday by Delaware County Council, Truitt requested medical leave and effective Friday, is off duty as director of emergency services.

The release indicated that council was aware of “a minor vehicle accident” involving Truitt, which was reported to the Delaware County Department of Risk Management on the day it occurred, as is standard procedure. Truitt was subsequently interviewed by the Delaware County Park Police.

“It was later learned that summary motor vehicle citations were filed against Mr. Truitt by the Pennsylvania State Police,” the release states. “The Department of Risk Management continues to investigate the accident and subsequent violations.”

As to why the charges were withdrawn or the status of the case, Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Edmund R. Homa Jr. of the Media Station declined to say Friday night. He was returning a phone call left for the trooper who issued the citations. Homa referred inquiries to Troop K headquarters in Philadelphia, but no one in a supervisory position was available Friday night.

Earlier in the day Friday, online court records indicated that the charges for which Truitt received two separate citations were active. By late afternoon Friday, the charges were withdrawn, according to online court records.

According to the traffic citations, Truitt was driving a countyowned Chevy Tahoe when the incident occurred at the intersection of routes 1 and 352 about 7:30 a.m. No lab servies were requested. He was facing fines totaling $218.50.

According to online court records, the traffic citations were filed Oct. 29 and summonses were issued on Sept. 30. Truitt entered not guilty pleas on Oct. 14, and the summonses were cancelled the same day. A summary trial date was listed for 9 a.m. on Nov. 30 before Magisterial District Judge Walter A. Strohl.

“In the 40 years I’ve been in this business, this is the first besmirch of my reputation that I’m aware of,” Truitt said.