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East Washington seeks police chief
"There will be some big shoes to fill," said borough secretary Heather Walsh, who explained that the first ad seeking applications for the position appeared Friday.
Redlinger, who became chief in January 2005, will be leaving the borough by year's end to fill a position that was left vacant with the retirement of longtime District Judge J. Albert Spence. The district covers Washington, East Washington and North Franklin Township.
Redlinger of North Franklin Township won both parties' nominations in the primary in May. So far, it looks like he will be unopposed in the general election.
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And, in East Washington, police protection, especially street patrols, tops the list of services demanded by the borough's nearly 2,000 residents.
According to Walsh, a questionnaire was sent to the residents regarding borough services, and the residents responded by indicating it was very important that the borough maintain its own police department.
While Redlinger probably won't be resigning as chief for some time yet, Walsh said the borough has begun the selection process now knowing that it will be difficult to find a replacement with as much experience and "take- charge" personality.
Redlinger was a veteran police officer with the city of Washington before becoming East Washington police chief. He was familiar with the people and the area, Walsh explained.
"He was a natural fit," she stated.
Walsh said the borough will accept applications for the position until Sept. 8.
WHY? : 8/26/2009
Why does a half-square mile area need the expense of a full-time police chief? Why does an area with only 1,930 people need its own police department? East Washington, North Franklin, South Strabane and Washington have a combined population of 30,000 people. Why doe’s this area need the expense of 4 police chiefs and 1 police superintendent. Bethel Park, Monroeville, Mt. Lebanon, Wheeling have a similar population and manage their police departments with one person. Why can’t the Washington area do the same? Include Canton into the mix and create one area (regional) department. Instead of paying 5 people to do the job of 1 person, lets use that money for other beneficial endeavors like addition patrols, community policing, detectives, or any of a number of things other then a suit sitting behind a desk. Can we get past this boundary line issues and think broader about things that will help the area as a whole and not our little fiefdoms
No Way... : 8/26/2009
keep East Washington the way it is. If you join it with the fiasco that is Washington Government, things will go way down hill. Free East Washington!
Narrow minds, little fiefdoms : 8/26/2009
Okay when that lone officer needs help guess who's backing him or her up. Yep the officers from fiasco police department. So if you want to do it single handily then don't ever call for help.
