Bethel Park hires four new township police officers
Bethel Park expects to lose at least four police officers to retirement in the next several months, so the council hired four new officers July 10.
The officers, Michael Antonace, Charles Thomas, Anthony Agliori and Brittney Richter, scored highly on tests administrated through the municipality’s civil service commission.
Council President Tim Moury said the four are experienced and capable and he praised the civil service commission for vetting the candidates. Candidates underwent an agility test, written test and background check before being interviewed by council members.
“We know they’re qualified by the time we get to interview them,” Moury said.
Three Bethel Park police officers are expected to retire before the end of the year. Another is slated to retire early next year, and another officer is expected to take a yearlong leave of absence to serve in the military. Council may hire another officer at the Aug. 14 meeting.
In another matter, council heard from two residents who voiced concerns over a proposed ordinance that would forbid residents from parking in their front lawns. Council delayed action on the matter and it now will be discussed at the July 24 committee meeting. Council may consider adopting the ordinance at the Aug. 14 regular meeting.
Dave Parks said Bethel Park has numerous narrow streets that can be difficult to navigate. If people start parking on those streets due to this ordinance, the streets will become impassable, especially for emergency vehicles.
“Police in Bethel Park have their hands full with other things,” Parks said. “This is the last thing they need.”
Supporters of the proposed ordinance have expressed concerns that the practice of parking on front lawns make residential neighborhoods look like junkyards.
However, the proposed ordinance already has some exceptions, such as for those who live on certain narrow streets, those who cannot have a driveway due to constraints on their property and those who have steep driveways that may be difficult to use during snowy weather. The proposed ordinance will also allow residents to apply to the municipal office for exceptions due to special circumstances.
Council considered passing a similar law about three years ago, but delayed action to study the issue. The ordinance would be a modification to the municipality’s zoning code.