Chester County Hero Fund

James Vito, who recently retired as Chester County’s chief county detective after logging 37 years in the District Attorney’s Office, has replaced John “J.D.” DiBuonaventuro as board president of the Chester County Hero Fund.

DiBuonaventuro spent 17 years in the position. The Chester County Hero Fund is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to the families of paid and volunteer first responders who suffer injury or death in the line of duty. It was established in early 2001, and has been needed more than a dozen times since its inception.

“J.D. has devoted himself for the past 17 years to ensuring those who help others are cared for in their darkest time,” said Robert Kagel, who heads the county’s Department of Emergency Services. “His leadership is greatly appreciated and will be missed. The entire emergency services community thanks him for his dedication and service.”

Vito started his law enforcement career in 1976 with the West Goshen Police Department, and moved to the county detectives three years later. As he worked his way up in the ranks, he played a key role in many county law-enforcement initiatives.

Delaware County Community College

The college is offering a Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Program, with classes beginning Jan. 24 at the Marple Campus. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-9 PM. Certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the program prepares entry-level operators for certification and employment.

Wastewater Treatment Operators are essential in the treatment and transferring of water and wastewater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for Wastewater Treatment Operators is $45,760.

The college’s program offers all of the coursework, hands-on training in laboratories, and module tests necessary to help students pass the licensing exam for DEP certification. The program is divided into two 90-hour sessions. Successful candidates must enroll for certification levels 1 and 2.

The cost of certification is $950 per semester. Students can save $150 by registering for both semesters at once. For more information, contact Mary Kay McClatchy at 610-723-4010.

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Good Samaritan Services

Two established nonprofits that serve the homeless population of Chester and Lancaster counties – Good Samaritan Shelter and Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties – have merged, uniquely positioning the organizations to provide a full range of services to address homelessness.

The new organization has been re-named Good Samaritan Services to reflect the progressive range of services available to homeless men, women, and children in the two counties – from emergency shelter to rapid re-housing and permanent housing.

“This merger has been a long time coming, with more than a year of discussions, planning, and praying,” said Nate Hoffer, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Services. “Two powerful, impactful ministries that have been operating for many years alongside of each other have now come together for good.”

Fibrocell Science

Exton’s Fibrocell Science, which is developing gene therapies for rare skin and connective-tissue diseases, is selling 13.6 million shares of common stock at 77 cents a share, writes Linda Loyd for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The biotechnology company hopes to raise $10.5 million. The company has 20 employees and no reported revenues.

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