Punxsutawney Moves to Increase Police Force

punxsy-police-chief-matt-conrad
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) – Police matters of a more positive nature were discussed at Tuesday evening’s Punxsutawney Borough Council meeting.

Recently-hired Chief of Police Matt Conrad (pictured above) was in attendance to present the department report and to request the hiring of two part-time officers, among other items.

Conrad was hired on September 23, filling a vacancy that lasted more than six months.

In his request, Conrad stated that the department has four part-time officers with three of them having other jobs creating conflicts with the needs of the department.

“I am asking Council to advertise and move forward with the hiring process of two part-time officers in accordance with the Borough of Punxsutawney Employee Hiring Policy,” Conrad said.

Conrad also asked Council for approval to start the testing procedure to establish an active civil service list, which the department does not have.

Additionally, Conrad asked Council to approve moving forward with a civil service promotional exam for the position of Sergeant.

Mayor Richard Alexander said the department is in dire need of another person in a position of authority, which the Sergeant position would fill.

Council approved all three requests.

The hiring committee will include Conrad, Alexander, and council member Cindy Rebuck.

In other business:

• Council approved placing a sign and painting a line to make it safer for pedestrians on Cherry Street.

Councilman Toby Santik brought up the matter after a woman told him about witnessing a couple with small child that were “hugging” the guiderail as they walked down the street.

He knows a sidewalk can’t be put in, but was concerned with the situation and the borough’s liability.

Borough Manager Ben White said a sign could be placed on the street to get drivers to slow down and have a white line painted to create a walking space for pedestrians.


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