Delco Council Recognizes Hospital Shooting First Responders

The Delaware County Council on Wednesday recognized the first responders, hospital employees and “citizen heroes” involved in the aftermath of the July shooting at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby.

“When we go about our daily lives, we don’t expect to be confronted with an act of violence. But the sad reality is that our world is sometimes shaken by incidents of unspeakable violence and terror,” County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle said at the Sept. 24 council meeting. “Fortunately, in Delaware County, we are blessed with countless people who are willing to risk their own safety to help others and keep our communities safe.”

McGarrigle made a point to mention caseworker Theresa Hunt, who authorities say was shot and killed July 24 by psychiatric patient Richard Plotts.

Psychiatrist Lee Silverman used his own weapon to stop Plotts; Plotts was shot multiple times in the torso and arm. Silverman also was shot by Plotts; a bullet grazed his head.

Plotts arrived at the Sister Marie Lenahan Wellness Center on the hospital campus Thursday afternoon with Hunt. The shootout in a third-floor office began around 2:20 p.m.

After Plotts had been shot, other hospital employees wrestled him to the ground.

Recognized at the meeting by the council and by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan were police from Darby and Yeadon; paramedics and EMTs from Mercy Fitzgerald; hospital employees; and four citizens who were hailed as heroes.

The heroic citizens, the council said, were

• Stephanie Waters, a Mercy Psychiatry Associates employee who made the initial call to 911 and stayed on the phone until police arrived on the scene;
• Dr. Lee Silverman, a physician on the staff of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital who was wounded in the shooting and fired back at the perpetrator;
• and John D’Alonzo, a blended case manager, and Dr. Jeffrey Dekret, a physician, who tackled and subdued the shooter until police could take him into custody.

“We have emergency plans. We drill, we simulate situations, and we constantly revise and improve our emergency plans. When this crisis took place, everyone came together and exhibited the kind of leadership and skill it takes to resolve the crisis and restore order,” McGarrigle said.