SRU Good News for Feb. 5, 2009

SRU graduate leads Bedford County Emergency Services

David Cubbison, a 1985 Slippery Rock University recreation and communication major, was in the news recently when the Altoona Mirror featured his work as director of the Bedford County Emergency Services in its local news section.

            The story, by Wendy McCardle, reports that his co-workers and friends call him “Cubby” and said he is “happiest putting his faith in God and his compassion for his community first in his life.”

 Cubbison, who served as drum major with the Marching Rockets as a student, told McCardle, “First and foremost, I’m a communicator.” The story reported Cubbison worked in radio and television in western Pennsylvania before moving to Bedford County where he worked for cable company and became a lay pastoral assistant at Bedford United Methodist Church.

      “Technology was one of the things we really pushed. We brought about a contemporary worship,” Cubbison told the newspaper. 

       While working for emergency services, Cubbison was serving as public information office when the events of 9-11 occurred. Two years later he was named director. In his current position, he has overseen installation of the county’s new emergency 911 service and is guiding plans for a countywide radio system.

       “I have seen enough that I realized this was the track I needed to go,” he said. “God opened a door. When he does, you need to walk through. I’m a resource person now. How do we get the right resources where they need to be?” he said. “I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I simply have to put my faith in God. I still feel like a kid. I’m happy every day that I wake up. I appreciate everything I’ve been give. I’ve been given a lot. What do I do with it now?” he told McCardle.

      When not involved in county work, Cubbison is active in a number of community organizations, including the Bedford County Players where he most recently played the role of Kris Kringle in “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

Editor’s Note: The successes of our friends and colleagues at the University are something we should all celebrate…and share. The University Public Relations Office has introduced a daily E-feature to share a good news story about a person, program, activity or service associated with Slippery Rock University. When good news happens to you, please let us know so we might share it with others. Submit items through campus e-mail to: GoodNews@sru.edu.