New Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Approved

A new Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator was approved by Township Council Monday evening. 

Marisa Wilkins, who moved to the township in February and works full time for the municipality in personnel and purchasing, was approved to the post retroactive to Sept. 1. She will finish the unexpired term of Frederick Fritz who left the post after moving out of state, said Council President Craig Wallis. 

Prior to coming to Manchester, Wilkins held the same position in Pemberton, she said. 

"I guess it was a lucky find," Wallis said during the meeting. "She has all this background in that area in Burlington and the state."

Wilkins was approved to hold the post from Sept. 1 though Dec. 31, the unexpired portion of Fritz' term. The position comes with $2,000 in yearly compensation, according to Wallis. 

"There's no doubt she's going to be fully qualified and great in helping [Arthur Abline, the township's emergency management coordinator]," Wallis said.

Wilkins will work with Abline to ensure that first responders are able to complete their jobs successfully by giving them proper direction.

"I like helping people and I like keeping the out of harm's way," Wilkins said following the meeting. As such, she has worked with the U.S. Army, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Centers for Disease Control. 

"One of the things that's true to my heart is volunteer firefighters," she said. "I'd do anything to help them."

Members of Manchester's governing body wished Wilkins well in her new position.

"I know you'll do a fine job and I wish you the best in your future endeavors with the town," said Council Vice President Brendan Weiner.