BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT

Before the coming of the mining towns to West Deer Township the only law officers in the township were the elected constables. This office was more of an honor than one of necessity.

With the coming of the mining towns and increased population there was an obvious need for more police. Fortunately the mining companies furnished their own "company police" and in general took care of their own problems. In fact they had their own private jail. In the 1940's as the coal companies were selling their houses and turning their company streets into public streets it became evident that West Deer would need a police department.

November 4, 1943 marked the beginning. Albert Sabatini became our first police officer. He was issued a uniform by the township and had to use his own vehicle.  He had to keep detailed records and present them to the Board of Supervisors the first of each month.

Three years later in 1946, William "Scotty" Thompson was appointed as an additional police officer under the same conditions. Sabatini was made Chief of Police. Working conditions for police at this time were poor. Pay was low, there were no holidays, and they were on call continuously.

In 1948 conditions improved for the police officers. They were given limited sick leave and a modest pension plan. The police and the Lions Club sponsored a wrestling show to raise funds both for there own club and this pension fund. Today this fund program is much improved and is similar to that of state employees.

In 1949 our township police were authorized to cooperate with the State Police, County Detectives, and other municipal police in the pre-investigation of crime but only one township officer was to do so at one time.

The first police car was purchased in February of 1949 and was a Chevy sedan costing $1,757.64. During the years that followed they bought Fords, Hudsons, Plymouths, and Studebakers.

Officer Thompson resigned on November 2, 1950 and his position was filled by Stephen Radage of Bairdford. He would later become Chief of Police in 1958 and continue for a total of twenty-eight years of faithful service until his retirement in February 1979. He was the first recipient of the Deer Lakes Business Association Hall of Fame. His picture and plaque, to this date, are on display in the township municipal building.

Going back to 1956, Albert Sabatini had just completed a new brick home on Reaghard Drive in the township when he died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Samuel DiSanti was appointed to fill this vacancy. There were now many incident reports to be taken and a police officer was expected to take a wide range of courses on law enforcement, narcotics, child abuse, accident procedures, first aid, and firearm use, all of which were on their own time.

Sam DiSanti had served as a Deputy Constable for twelve years in West Deer prior to his appointment as a police officer. In August of 1965 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant and later appointed to Chief of Police in January of 1980. In march of 1982 he received a commendation form the Board of Supervisors, to be conveyed to his men as well, regarding the arrests of 28 persons and the recovery of over $50,000.00 in stolen property.

On June 4, 1959 we entered into an agreement with Richland Township, Middlesex Township, and Butler County for mutual police protection. In September of 1960 we entered into an agreement for two-way police dispatch service with Richland Township.

In July of 1964 Don Simonetti became a part-time police officer and was hired full-time one year later. Simonetti was later appointed to Chief of Police in 1986 and retired in 1992. 

In June of 1968 Rudy Truckley became a full time police officer and worked for 24years. He retired in 1992 as a Sergeant.

Many factors dictated the need for more police officers and in February 1974, Stephen Chearno and Marty Fleischer were hired. Marty Fleischer was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in January 1982. Fleischer was later appointed Chief of Police in November of 1992 and retired from the department in February of 2003.

In January of 1983 the Crime Prevention Program was implemented by Chief DiSanti who appointed Officer Chearno to take charge of the program. Officer Chearno and his volunteers conducted numerous Crime Watch activities to help better our community.

In July of 1983, the Board of Supervisors hired 7 part time officers who served to relieve our full time officers in addition to maintaining their positions when off duty.

Since 1943 the West Deer Township Police Department has grown along with the township. In January 1993, Officers Bill Bailey, Brian Dobson and Frank Huffman were hired as full time officers. In October of the same year Officer Jon Lape was hired as full time officer and later was promoted to sergeant. This brought the police department up to 7 full time officers along with 4 part time officers.

In June of 1994 Officer Darren Mikus was hired as a full time Officer and was later promoted to Sergeant. In 1995 Officer Tina Gizienski and Officer Edward Newman were hired as full time officers. Officer Newman became the departments first K-9 Officer in 1999 with the addition of a german shepherd named "Bars".

Officer Robert Loper was Hired as a full time officer in April of 2000.  In March of 2001, the Police Department reached a total of 10 full time officers with the hiring of Officer Michael Shurina as a full time officer with the department.

With the retirement of Chief Fleischer in February of 2003, Sgt. Jon Lape was appointed to take the position of Chief of Police.  Officer Brian Wikert was hired as a full time officer in May of 2003 followed by the full time promotion of Officer Burk and Petosky in March of 2006.

Currently the police department has 12 full time officers and 3 part time officers. The department continues to grow to meet the needs of the township. To find out more about each officer please see the WDPD Personnel section of this site.

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