National Guard Called In To Montgomery County For Pope Visit

The logistical scrambling to ensure a safe and smooth weekend when Pope Francis arrives in September is far from over.

Montgomery County announced on Wednesday that 600 National Guard troops had been requested for the weekend of September 26 and 27.

The personnel, requested from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, will help with traffic control, crowd control, and infrastructure security.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Montgomery County and its residents to experience something as important and inspirational as a Papal visit,” Josh Shapiro, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners, said in a press release. “The eyes of the world will be on our region, and I am confident that the long term benefits of Pope Francis’ visit will far outweigh the temporary inconveniences we might face. Our entire Public Safety Department and all of their local and regional partners have worked hard to help ensure inconveniences are minimized and safety is maximized.”

In addition, the county has asked for helicopters, boats, refueling trucks, and other personnel to assist the Joint Rapid Response Teams and other supporting teams working to keep both motorists and those on boats safe.

The county’s Bomb Squad has also been training in anticipation of the weekend.