3 cops added to ranks

The department is waiting for clearance from the state.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
PULASKI, Pa. -- The newest patrol officers for Northwest Regional Police Department should be on the road within the next month.
Pulaski Township supervisors had a swearing-in ceremony for the three newest part-time officers during their regular monthly meeting Monday.
Northwest Regional Police formed Oct. 1 and covers Pulaski and Mahoning townships. Supervisors from both townships sit on the police commission panel.
The new part-time officers are Robert Sipe, John Charmo and Dave McBride. They join full-time Police Chief Jim Morris and Sgt. Chad Adams.
Pulaski Supervisor Lew Grell said the panel intends to hire another part-time officer later this month and add a fifth part-timer in November or December.
The department's goal is to offer 24-hour police coverage to both townships.
Questioned the decision
Meeting visitor Vern Eppinger of Pulaski questioned supervisors about hiring three part-time officers as opposed to one full-time officer and a part-timer. He also asked why Pulaski residents weren't given preferential treatment in hiring. All three live in Lawrence County but outside the township.
"We're not bringing any money into this township because none of them live here," he said.
Supervisor Tom Gates said they decided to hire part-time officers to spread out days off and vacation time among three different people rather than work with only one or two people. He added that the hiring criteria was based on qualifications, not residency.
Morris said the new officers are riding along with he and Adams, but they won't be on their own until full clearance comes from the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission sometime next month.
Morris said that entity must verify the men are updated on their law-enforcement training.
cioffi@vindy.com