Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger is forming an Emergency Services Unit comprised of municipal police officers.

Goldinger said in an interview the unit would respond to high-risk situations.

“Almost like a SWAT team,” he said.

The types of incidents the unit would handle include hostage situations, barricaded gunmen, school violence and civil disturbances.

Goldinger said the unit, which will start with 19 officers, would provide the county a quicker response than waiting for a SWAT team to come from Pittsburgh.

Steve Bicehouse, director of county emergency services, agreed.

“It minimizes delays,” Bicehouse said.

The county commissioners Wednesday approved a municipal aid agreement with nine municipalities having police departments whose staff will comprise the unit.

The agreement is with Butler, Mars, Zelienople and six townships: Adams, Butler, Cranberry, Jackson, Middlesex and Penn.

Sgt. Bill Mayhugh of Butler police, unit team leader, said at the meeting the unit will grow.

“That's starting out,” he said about the initial size.

The Pennsylvania Region 13 All Hazards and Counter Terrorism Task Force will provide $21,000 for training costs.

Officers in the unit will be paid by their respective municipal police departments.

The county will provide workers' compensation coverage for participating officers during training and incidents.

Goldinger credited Mayhugh and Penn Township Officer Dennis Crawford for spurring the formation of the unit.

The commissioners agreed the unit was a good idea.