BPPD Merit Award Winners Announced!
Kim Weightman • February 13, 2025
Congratulations to Our 2024 Police Merit Award Winners!
At the Feb. 10th Municipal Council Meeting, BPPD Chief David Arnold presented three outstanding officers with the 2024 Merit Award. Since 1969, BPPD Officers have nominated their peers who display exceptional devotion to duty and are a credit to our department! This year’s winners are:
1st Place: Officer Russ Small
2nd Place: Officer Jorge Zarate
3rd Place: Officer Amber DiFranco
Congratulations to all!
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Our BPPD Team Breakdown:
- 39 full-time sworn officers including: 7 Sergeants, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Traffic Officers, 1 K9 Officer, 1 Community Resource Officer, 1 School Resource Officer, & 3 Detectives
- 5 Dispatchers
- 1 Records Administrator
- 1 Administrative Assistant
We also proudly contribute two Crisis Negotiators and six Tactical Operators to the SHACOG CIRT Team.
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Thank you to all of our dedicated BPPD team members for their unwavering support to our community!
Mark Your Calendars and Plan to Attend!
A Market Day for the Herd
Today (Wednesday, July 9), Municipal Contractor Youngblood Paving will be PAVING (**Weather Permitting) Sunset Dr. (Forest Rd. - South Park Rd.) and Forest Rd. (Thornwood Dr. - Sunset Dr.). Work will run until 7 p.m. with flaggers on site to assist with traffic. We’ll continue to provide updates throughout the week.
During one of the most significant heat waves the East Coast has seen in many years, the Bethel Park farmers' market still managed to grow in community and care.
Bethel Park Community Center will act as a Cooling Center during the heatwave
Rainy Skies Won't Get Us Down
Market Notes: Sunshine, Salads, and Something Special
Mark Your Calendars!
Bethel Park Police Department joins with South Park and Allegheny County to host “Bike Rodeo” this Saturday! Bethel Park Police Department, along with South Park and Allegheny County Police Departments, are teaming up to host a FREE First Responders Bike Rodeo this Saturday, June 7 , from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the South Park Dek Hockey Rink (Maple Springs & Corrigan Drive). This family-friendly event is all about bike safety and fun! Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycles for safety checks and test their skills on a safety obstacle course . PLUS: ✅ FREE bike helmets (courtesy of Children's Hospital) while supplies last ✅ FREE bikes (new and gently used) for children in need ✅ Emergency vehicle displays, free refreshments, and music! “We’re looking forward to the rodeo,” said BPPD Community Resource Officer Amber DiFranco. “This is a great opportunity to work with our neighbors on a wonderful community program! I’d like to also thank Kelly Gilliam of Life Builders , whose support helped make this event possible.” 💙 Want to donate a new or gently used bicycle ? There's still time! Call 412-540-3535 or bring your donation to the event. For more on Bethel Park Police Department , visit www.bethelparkpa.gov. Learn about Life Builders , a nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals, families and the community to create a sustainable transformation, at mylifebuilders.org. #BikeRodeo #BPPD #BethelPark #FirstResponders #BikeSafety #LifeBuilders #PoliceOutreach
Rain Soaked the Stalls, but Not our Spirits