Two Honored for their work on Strenghtening Megan's Law in PA
By: Carolyn Donaldson
Updated: March 8, 2012
JOHNSTOWN, Cambria County -- As State Representative Jerry Stern presented the framed bill and pen that Governor Corbett used to sign it into law t each honoree, he echoed his colleague's sentiments. "We just want to thank you from our end on what you do every day to bring the news to everyone in Central PA."
Our WTAJ News Reporter Danielle Krout and Johnstown Police Detective Julie Wagner each received their own copy of Senate Bill 1183.
At this ceremony held in Johnstown, both sides of the political aisle came to honor this pair for their work and persistence.
Senator John Wozniak spoke of Danielle's commitment. "Where is the bill at? Why isn't it moving and sort of helped edge it along so she had a large part in helping the political process and we're very proud of her."
Danielle covered stories that Detective Wagner investigated of child sex offenders who had lived undetected in our communities. This new law expands the state's Megan's Law requirements, creating stricter reporting standards and closes those loopholes surrounding the homeless and out-of-state offenders who move here.
Detective Julie Wagner says she's never been recognized in this manner for her 14 years on the force and says she does feel good about their efforts. "To know that we have the loophole closed that we have a better tool in the law now to accomplish our job to move forward with management of sex offenders, that's a great accomplishment for the federal and state government and for law enforcement. "
Bill co-sponsor Stern says it shows citizens can bring about needed change. "It does come from the ideas that we gather that changes the laws and corrects the things that need to be corrected."
Phil Dubrow, General Manager of WTAJ-TV added, "We know they make a difference. It's kind of nice to have the recognition and Danielle has shown that she made a difference specifically here and it's going to help our community out in the long term."
For Detective Wagner, it's another step in protecting the citizens here. "I'll keep doing what I'm doing and this time follow it through completely instead of stopping at that roadblock that's no longer there."
Our WTAJ News Reporter Danielle Krout and Johnstown Police Detective Julie Wagner each received their own copy of Senate Bill 1183.
At this ceremony held in Johnstown, both sides of the political aisle came to honor this pair for their work and persistence.
Senator John Wozniak spoke of Danielle's commitment. "Where is the bill at? Why isn't it moving and sort of helped edge it along so she had a large part in helping the political process and we're very proud of her."
Danielle covered stories that Detective Wagner investigated of child sex offenders who had lived undetected in our communities. This new law expands the state's Megan's Law requirements, creating stricter reporting standards and closes those loopholes surrounding the homeless and out-of-state offenders who move here.
Detective Julie Wagner says she's never been recognized in this manner for her 14 years on the force and says she does feel good about their efforts. "To know that we have the loophole closed that we have a better tool in the law now to accomplish our job to move forward with management of sex offenders, that's a great accomplishment for the federal and state government and for law enforcement. "
Bill co-sponsor Stern says it shows citizens can bring about needed change. "It does come from the ideas that we gather that changes the laws and corrects the things that need to be corrected."
Phil Dubrow, General Manager of WTAJ-TV added, "We know they make a difference. It's kind of nice to have the recognition and Danielle has shown that she made a difference specifically here and it's going to help our community out in the long term."
For Detective Wagner, it's another step in protecting the citizens here. "I'll keep doing what I'm doing and this time follow it through completely instead of stopping at that roadblock that's no longer there."
