Message from Bucks County residents: Push out the pusher
FALLS TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- The people of Bucks County are spreading this message one yard at a time: "Push out the pusher."
It is the name of program created to put pressure on drug dealers. And the signs are in demand.
"The reaction has been great. Once someone puts it up, a couple days later, I'm getting an email from their next door neighbor, 'I would like a yard sign,'" Melanie Bidlingmaier of Bucks County Crime Stoppers said.
"My goal is to have them peppered throughout the county. I want to the community to say we're sick and tired of it and we're not going to take it anymore," Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said.
Weintraub is working with the Crime Stoppers and other elected officials.
Warminster Township Supervisor Jason Croley is supporting the effort in his own neighborhood.
"Instead of just talking about it, we're seeing action behind it. We have the signs. We have the DA strike force," Croley said.
Weintraub says they are throwing everything at the opioid crisis.
The new six person task force and programs like 'Push Out the Pusher' are calls to the community.
The signs have tip lines and some tips, if they prove to be helpful, could lead to a cash reward.
"There's only 700 police in all of Bucks County; there are 630,000 citizens. We need your help," Weintraub said.
Carol Frehafer of Fairless Hills is one of many volunteers. She lost her 19-year-old nephew Donald Connor to a fentanyl overdose in June. Handing out signs and being involved are helping her grieving process. She hopes it helps others.
"We've just been so sad and numb, not believing it's still real that he's not here. So if we can stop one other family from going through what we're going through, it would all be worth it," Frehafer said.
On Tuesday, during various National Night Out events across Bucks County, 'Push Out the Pusher' signs will be given out.
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