Borough Police Report Highlights Successful Events, New Hire

by Jonathan Weaver

During the Kittanning Borough Council meeting Monday night, Police Chief Bruce Mathews updated the quorum of council members on recent events and introduced some new perspectives.

Mathews reported that community events – including the Waves of Thunder motorcycle show hosted by Kittanning Hose Company #1 the third weekend of June, the Kittanning Elks Flag Day Ceremony on North Water Street the day before and the Concert in the Park featuring “Gaelic Storm,” and local talent Ben Valasek and Matt Janovsky – were successful during the month.

“Reports are they all went off without any major problems,” Mathews said.

Police presence was also available at the Kittanning Sr. High commencement and helped direct traffic along Johnston Avenue during construction.

Residents will also see more of a police presence along the Armstrong Trail as officers pick-up garbage and as “floater” officer Eric Smith began Thursday, June 20.

A ‘floater’ officer will substitute in for a full-time officer while one of the regular officers is on vacation or on leave.

“Everything went off without a hitch,” Mathews said. “He’s currently working, and we’re thankful to have him. He seems to be working out (well).”

Mayor Kirk Atwood explained that Officer Smith was hired through the Civil Service Exam since more than three officers make up the borough force.

“We’re very happy with the work (Smith) has done so far,” Atwood said.

Chief Mathews also addressed the community and council concern over if open pit recreational fires were permitted since the penalties assessed by the Department of Environmental Protection. Questions were raised during the June meeting.

“I spoke with Scott Weinmen at (the Department of Environmental Protection), who is responsible for all of Armstrong County air quality, and unless Council would decide otherwise, recreation fires – as far as the DEP are concerned – (are) permitted,” Mathews said.

Kittanning Borough Police also received a $2,800 donation from the Kittanning Eagles to implement two new computers in the police cruisers.

He reported that the department has not faced any problems with the new 9-1-1 radio system implemented last month by the Armstrong County Department of Public Safety.

Chief Mathews also gained some responsibility via Police Committee Chair Kim Fox during her report as she discussed the effort to raise money for a K-9 unit.

“The account’s in the Borough’s name – (Councilwoman) Joie (Pryde)’s on the account, I’m on the account, and we’d also like to ask (Chief Mathews) to be on so we have three signatures for writing checks,” Fox recommended.

The motion was passed unanimously upon the recommendation. First Ward Councilman Michael Rosenberger made the initial motion, with fellow First Ward Councilperson Betsy Wilt seconding the action.

The first meeting of the year for Kittanning’s crime watch will be held Thursday, July 11 in Kittanning Borough Council Chambers on South McKean Street.

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