Tight security and traffic restrictions are expected to accompany the Tuesday funeral of U.S. Rep. John Murtha.
Also, an official congressional delegation is expected to attend the service for the longtime lawmaker, who died Monday due to complications from surgery.
West Hills Regional Police are making preparations for security, parking and other issues.
But Chief Andy Havas on Wednesday said many details are not final.
“We’re still in the midst of planning,” Havas said. “We’ve made contact with a number of agencies.”
The process will begin Sunday afternoon at Frank Duca Funeral Home’s Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd.
A public visitation has been scheduled from 3-7 p.m. Sunday and during the same hours the following day.
On Tuesday, a private funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne St.
The family is requesting that entombment at Grandview Mausoleum following the funeral service also be private, funeral home proprietor Frank Duca said.
“I’m honored that the family of John Murtha has called on me to provide such a dignified service for a man who so well deserved it,” Duca said.
“The community will miss his presence, and he will never be forgotten.”
For the two days of public visitation, Duca said his funeral home is capable of handling large numbers of visitors who wish to pay their last respects.
The challenging part will be the weather conditions and parking, he said.
Funeral home employees are working with the West Hills police and neighboring police departments, all of whom have offered to assist in controlling traffic, he said.
Duca said he also is working with Westmont Borough to have snow in the area removed so that there would be more street parking. He added that additional parking may be available at a neighboring property.
The funeral service will present different challenges for local officials, with the likely presence of high-profile politicians.
“Who they are, I don’t know yet,” Havas said.
He said he has not heard from the Secret Service but has spoken with the U.S. Capitol Police, the agency responsible for protecting members of Congress and their families.
Havas said he also has asked the state police and the Cambria County Sheriff’s Department to provide manpower and assistance.
The police chief said there “definitely” will be street closures during the funeral. When those arrangements are finalized, that information will be released, he said.
Paying respects
• A public visitation for
U.S. Rep. John Murtha is scheduled from 3-7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Frank Duca Funeral Home’s Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd.
• On Tuesday, a private
funeral service is scheduled for
11 a.m. at Westmont Presbyterian Church, 601 Luzerne St.
• Entombment at Grandview Mausoleum following the funeral service also will be private.
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