Community Oriented Police Officers

The St. Marys City Police Department officers not only spend many hours each month protecting the lives and property of the residents of St. Marys but also are very involved in volunteering their time and energy to community events and improving their skills. The officers are required to take mandatory training during their regular hours, but they also take quite a bit of specialized training on their own time to stay sharp and updated with changes in the laws and in police procedures. Many of the officers also take college credit courses at continuing education facilities."Since 9/11, the methods and training has bee increased as officers have to learn new techniques on protecting lives and property from possible terrorist attacks" noted Police Chief Todd Caltagarone. "Hopefully, things will never get to the point where we have to actually put this training into effect. Even though we may never have to use this training, we must be prepared in case something would happen." Some of the training they receive is on how to respond quickly and with the proper equipment to difficult situations that may arise in the community. They learn how to manage items and situations that come up and how to work with other organizations during times of natural disasters or local crisis.

The officers continually work with the local chapter of American Red Cross along with many other local civic organizations. They are also involved with working indirectly with the Family Resources Board, Crystal Fire Department, St. Marys Ambulance, while some of the officers are on many of the community group boards.

One area where many of the St. Marys police officers are involved is the Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or the D.A.R.E. program. This is the most popular anti-drug program in the country and internationally. The officers work with the schools and parents in this program to educate young people on the dangers of using drugs. The local officers take this program to all of the schools in the St. Marys Area School District (which includes public and private schools) in St. Marys, Fox Township, Bennetts Valley and other schools in Johnsonburg, Wilcox, Emporium and Ridgway. The program is funded by state grants and local fundraiser and donations.

Another major event that the local police force coordinates is the National Night Out which is geared toward the youth of our community with plenty of adult involvement. Elk County Gifts for Kids is another major event that the St. Marys officers are involved with. Our local police also provide security at school events and other community activities.

Officers are also involved as coaches for Little League Baseball and Pigtail Softball programs while other are active members of the St. Marys Sportsmen's Club, Trout Unlimited, Turkey Federation, the alumni football game, church activities, run the Prom Promise each year, conduct safety programs, community CPR and first aid programs, participate in health fairs, and work with Elkland Search and Rescue.

Members of the St. Marys City Police Department are Chief Todd Caltagarone, Sgt. Steve Skrzypek, Sgt. Phil Hoh, Sgt. John Lovett, Sgt. Tom Nicklas, Patrolmen Pat Kellogg, Brad Harshbarger, Jerry Gerg, Chris Smith, Bob Lewis, DJ Marconi, Larry Smith and part time officers Gregg McManus and Tammy O'Leary.

(Information obtained from The Daily Press - May 15, 2006.)