In Wyoming, a new regional police department was formed on Friday after a lengthy process involving five West Side communities.
During the ribbon-cutting for the new headquarters of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright was joined by other officials, volunteers, and first responders.
D-Moosic, Rep. Matt Cartwright gave a $963,000 check for new police cruisers, body cameras, and other necessary equipment.
Cartwright emphasized the importance of providing quality equipment to enable the officers to deliver excellent policing services to the residents of Wyoming, West Wyoming, West Pittston, Exeter Boroughs, and Exeter Township.
Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, played a crucial role in advancing the regionalization project while working as an advisor for Gov. Tom Wolf.
Coleman’s involvement dates back to the time when her grandfather, Joseph Coyne, served in the Exeter Borough Council and later as Mayor, a position she also held from 2008-2015.
From her personal experience as a former Mayor of Exeter, Coleman remembers her grandfather's efforts to pursue regionalization with Mayor Bill Goldsworthy of West Pittston, which unfortunately did not materialize.
Coleman expressed her satisfaction in seeing the realization of her grandfather's and others' aspirations after more than 20 years.
Coleman highlighted the significance of the conversations that began 25 years ago, which laid the groundwork for the current achievement. She expressed her delight in witnessing everyone who contributed to the success of the project.
Rep. Aaron Kaufer, a key figure in the regionalization effort, coordinated the meetings of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Commission, chaired by Joe Pizano.
Kaufer described the formation of the regional police department and the acquisition of the former Pennsylvania State Police Barracks on Wyoming Avenue as one of his most notable legislative achievements.
Kaufer acknowledged the diligent efforts of the Commission members in remaining focused on their objectives.
Kaufer stressed the nonpartisan collaboration that resulted in the successful establishment of the regional police department.
Kaufer highlighted the passage of a bill he sponsored regarding land conveyances, as well as the approval of state grants for the building purchase and renovations, totaling $1.5 million.
The chief of the Wyoming Area Regional Police Department, Mike Turner, said he believes the building will be ready soon. He and his 17-member department are eager to move into the new building.
Turner stated, “We will establish a regional police department that residents will admire. We will operate in 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. We are committed to providing high-quality police protection for our five communities.”
Joseph Pizano, Chairman of the WARP Commission and a member of the Exeter Borough Council, mentioned that discussions about the necessity of a regional department focused on the limited coverage and small staffs of all five towns.
Pizano expressed, “We all felt the need to take action. We collaborated and although there was some uncertainty at times, we remained dedicated and concluded that regionalization was the best approach.”
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the following individuals also delivered speeches: Sen. Marty Flynn, Sen. Lisa Baker, former Sen. John Yudichak, and Monsignor John J. Sempa, Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish.
Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, may have delivered the most memorable line of the event. As snow fell throughout most of the ceremony, Haddock joked, “Some said this would happen 'when hell freezes over.' Perhaps that's what's happening today.”
