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By Andrea Earnest
Chief Joseph F. Ferrelli was presented with a Proclamation recognizing his retirement from the South Park Police Department. The Chief has served 40 years as an officer and as Chief of Police, beginning his career on January 1, 1973 and retiring May 3, 2012.
He was promoted to Chief of Police on December 14, 1992. He was instrumental in advancing the department, particularly in areas of training and equipment. Chief Ferrelli also served his country in Vietnam and was awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous military honors for bravery and courage under fire. The Board of Supervisors honors and commends Chief Joseph F. Ferrelli for his contributions to the community and for selflessly dedicating his professional career to public safety.
Chief Ferrelli spoke, saying that there are many people that he will miss. He mentioned friends he has made in other departments, and recognized two from the Whitehall Police Department, Chief Don Dolfi and Deputy Chief Chris Danko, who were present for the occasion. He said he is retiring after 40 years of service to spend more time with his family. He also thanked Chairman Walt Sackinsky, whom he has worked with longest on the board, and also thanked Karen Fosbaugh, Township Manager. In addition, he recognized Deputy Chief Dennis McDonough, former Supervisor George Smith, who promoted him to chief in 1992, and thanked the paramedic staff and former police officers Hillary Flaus and Calvin Hurl. He also thanked Judy George, who worked with him throughout his career until her recent retirement, and recognized his current secretary, Martha Martin. He especially thanked his mother and father and his wife Joyce for their love and support throughout the years.
The Board also presented a Proclamation recognizing Tri-Community South for their contribution to the residents during EMS week. Mr. Vargo introduced the staff present for the proclamation: Alan Jackson, Joe Armbruster, Eric Christ, Kevin Tristinger, and a University of Pittsburgh student. Other staff members could not attend.
When the people were called up, two residents spoke about parking problems on Norrington Drive. Gary Petak, 131 Norrington Drive, said it is becoming harder to go up or down the street because people are parking on the street instead of in their driveways. Adam Stevens, 130 Norrington Drive, said that there are many people who do this and that it is worse after 4 p.m. when people come home from work and have guests. Sometimes people even park on their lawns. Both men have trucks and said that it can be very difficult to drive through because cars are parked across from each other, making the street more narrow. Supervisor Buchewicz said he would have Ms. Fosbaugh check into this and get back to them.
A number of actions were voted on, and all motions were carried. Full minutes can be found in the Township Office.
Mr. Buchewicz said that it recently came to the attention of the Board that the Redistricting Apportionment Commission is considering a redistricting plan that would divide the township into two legislative districts. The Board of Supervisors opposes this plan. Mr. Buchewicz read that this plan violates Article II, Section 16, of the State Constitution, which states that unless absolutely necessary, no county, cities, boroughs, townships, or wards shall be divided in forming a senatorial or representative district. This appears to be political in nature. Since its incorporation in 1845, South Park Township has been one district. The plan is discriminatory in that District No. 4 is primarily a minority-based area and is being placed in proposed District No. 38, where it is contiguous with the more affluent District No. 39.
Mr. Buchewicz testified in Harrisburg regarding this jerrymandering. He is asking residents to call and voice their opinions. Supervisor Ed Snee reiterated that it is very important that residents let others in the township know about the redistricting, as it is an issue that is very important to the township.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 31 May 2012 21:01 |
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