Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1941-12-18
Major Montgomery Heads
Civilian Defense Units

Spencer of the Newark Advocate,
co-chairmen of the civilian de-
fense committee, presided.
Mr.. Beardshear said that the
program as arranged provided
for immediate action in case of
sabotage or violence under the
supervision of Sheriff William
McElroy, who has an organiza-
tion set up for that purpose.
Second part of the defense plans
includes the Red Cross and its
Disaster Relief organization, said
to be one of the finest in the
state, and complete to the small
est detail. Third part of the pro-
gram is under the guidance of
Rev. Dale Fiers and Charles
Rankin and will provide for hous-
ing of evacuees from the East
ern Seaboard.
1t was explained that the
larger cities in Ohio are al
ready OverpOpulated because
of defense workers and that
Newark and GAINESVILLE would
be among the major cities to
be used for this purpose. In
case of necessity plans are be-
ing made to take care of five
to ten thousand women and
children in Newark.
1t was explained that the utili-
ties in Newark have already or
ganized for emergencies, and
that industries are making plans
for protection of their plants in
case of sabotage, fire, or bomb
ing.
Sheriff McElroy outlined his
complete organization and emer-
gency set-up. Sixty-four men
will be trained and given arms to
be used in emergencies for guard
duty. The personnel of this
group will be ex-service men for
the most part, explained Nc
Elroy. They will also be train
ed in fire fighting and police
work. Russell Thorpe will be in
charge.
An advisory board comprised
of elected city officials has
been named. Four auxiliary
units have been arranged, the
personnel made up Of volun-
teers from the various service
clubs. These units will serve
as reinfOrcements.
In Licking county villages,
units are being organized with
the mayors as honorary chair
men
Sheriff McElroy stressed the
fact that plenty of manpower is
available but that equipment is
lacking. He explained that the
sheriff's office is we'll equipped,
but that the city needed addi-
tional fire trucks, radio facili-
ties, police cruisers and motor
cycles
Ed. Strate, speaking for the
Red Cross, emphasized that his
organization is ready and has
been ready for a year and a
half, to take charge in any
emergency, down to the small
est detail. First aid stations
are being established through
out the county and will be fully
equipped with instruments,
medicines, and bandages. Doc
tors and nurses are assigned to
each station to act in case of
disaster.
In charge of transportation in
event of evacuation is Phil Vog-
ermeier, who will be assisted by
a committee which has already
listed all available trucks, buses
and station wagons.
Stanley Shaw heads the rescue
committee, and the Boy Scouts
are ready for call.
j. Oscar Juch of the Newark
Leader, Frank Spencer of the
Newark Advocate, and F. C.
Morrison, division manager of
the Ohio Power company, are on
the publicity committee.
A system of communication
has been developed with two
complete two-way radio sets
available. This division will be
headed by Charles Moore.
All of these units are being
welded together into a compact
organization under the direction
of Mr.. Montgomery, and will be
ready for action on a moments