Robert Delbo goes beyond the call of duty in Northumberland County, Pa.

Sep 1, 1999 12:00 PM, Kate Henry

In Northumberland County, Pa., Robert Delbo directs security for 11 county government office buildings, including a courthouse, an administration center, a career center, a nursing home complex and an airport facility. Notably and laudably, this professionally accomplished young man is only a few years out of college. Delbo believes in going above and beyond the call of his far-reaching responsibilities.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS "Being in security, you are asked to do a lot of tasks that are not related to your job as a security director. We do whatever is asked of us and more to make things flow and work smoothly," Delbo explains. Delbo is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Last year, Delbo received a security call at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning as his 2-year-old son was eagerly contemplating parcels from Santa Claus. Delbo quickly resolved the security incident and resumed his Christmas celebration with his family.

As director of security for the county, Delbo is also a deputy sheriff with full arrest powers. Early in his tenure with the county, he was called on by the sheriff's department to help apprehend an escaped felon from the county prison. Through effective planning and teamwork, Delbo helped apprehend the escapee without incident. "It was scary," Delbo admits, "because in a situation like that you don't really know what is going to happen."

His efforts in the successful capture were honored with a resolution from the Northumberland County commissioners and with a citation from the district attorney.

KEEPING MANY BALLS IN THE AIR Delbo says a unique aspect to his job is he works with, and reports to, a lot of people, including three county commissioners, two chief clerks and an administrative assistant. "Because I direct security for all kinds of facilities throughout the county, I'm usually not in the same place every day," he says. "I'm in the field more so than behind a desk."

He also regularly cooperates with local law enforcement, especially in securing the county courthouse. "The sheriff's department is in charge of the courtrooms, and we are in charge of physical security for the courthouse," he explains. "They help us, and we help them. We also maintain radio communications with local police departments in case backup is ever needed."

Chad Hershberger, director of public information for Northumberland County, says he is amazed at the security measures that have been implemented under Delbo's leadership. These include 24-hour security systems in all county facilities, security officers who wear bulletproof vests at various county locations, and the installation of metal detectors, access control and extensive surveillance systems. Delbo is also responsible for patrolling county lands for illegal activities such as littering and dumping. He issues ID badges for county employees, performs background checks on prospective employees, and enforces all county codes and ordinances on county property.

"Bob secured the grant needed to purchase the bulletproof vests," comments Hershberger. "At a public meeting of the Northumberland County Board of Commissioners where the vests were presented, Bob was commended on the security enhancements he has initiated and on the organization of security measures in the county."

Delbo has also designed surveillance systems for the prison and for the county airport.

HANDS-ON PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT "My management style is very hands-on," says Delbo. "I make a lot of rounds to all our facilities, to obtain firsthand knowledge and to talk to employees about their needs and concerns and to be accessible to them. It's a proactive approach."

Delbo says a hallmark of his communications style is respect and courtesy for his employees and the public. "A lot of security personnel work for private companies, but I work for the county, so I keep firmly in mind that I am serving the public. It is their tax dollars that pay for my job and the things I do." He keeps a close eye on maintaining an effective balance of safety, security and cost-effectiveness.

Hershberger says a strong work ethic enables Delbo to tackle his hefty workload every week. "Bob's hard work and dedication are inspirational," says Hershberger. "He looks for the positive in all he does, and believes strongly in using teamwork to take our security program to the next level."

According to Hershberger, a local newspaper article published this year cited Northumberland County as "the most advanced county in the area when it comes to security." He credits Delbo's efforts for this recognition.

Delbo is also devoted to his family - which, in addition to his wife and son, includes baby twins - and to community service. He is an active member of the Front Street Christian Assembly where he attends Bible studies and a weekly prayer breakfast. He plays on the church softball team and coaches weightlifting for the high school football team. He is vice president of the Northumberland County Young Democrats and also is a volunteer fireman. Delbo holds a bachelor of science in political science and administration of justice from Wilkes University, where he was selected as a Division III football All-American, and he graduated from the sheriff's academy at the Penn State Dickinson Law School. He regularly participates in continuing education courses at various colleges and universities and encourages his staff to do the same.

His goals for the county include automating physical security systems to streamline security functions, and increasing efficiency through strategic staffing. He again cites recognition of the public service he provides as a key motivation. "The public looks to my bosses to see what they are doing to make life better for them. My job is to do what needs to be done to help make that happen."

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