East Central AAA Community Traffic Safety Awards 2024
The Castle Shannon Police Department was recognized this afternoon at the AAA East Central Community Traffic Safety Awards in Cranberry Twp.
We are grateful to AAA for sponsoring this recognition ceremony annually for police agencies in the region.
CSPD has received the highest award (Platinum) every year since 2009.
I am grateful to our staff who perform many functions in the traffic realm to keep Castle Shannon Safe.
In addition to traditional traffic safety enforcement and crash investigations, our officers participate in regional initiatives such as DUI Task Force, Aggressive Driving Grant work, Seatbelt Safety, Crash Team and Crash Reconstruction, Truck Safety Inspections, Drug Recognition Expert and others.
We are also grateful to our Crossing Guards for protecting our youth while they travel to and from school.
As we close in on the holiday season, please do NOT drink and drive.
Best wishes for a safe and happy season from CSPD.
Officer Justin Majors was recognized at the annual LEAD Award Ceremony on October 10, 2024.
Majors is seen here with the US Attorney for the Western District of PA, Eric Olshan, Chief Truver and Pittsburgh Division FBI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. The Law Enforcement Agency Directors is a cooperative entity of law enforcement leaders at the local, county, state and federal level who meet regularly at the office of the US Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The annual LEAD awards recognize law enforcement officers and prosecutors for their outstanding performance in the given year. Office Majors was recognized for his work on a lengthy and comprehensive drug investigation which led to the seizure of methamphetamine and cocaine and resulted in a 9-year prison sentence for the offender for possession with intent to deliver narcotics. Majors briefed Borough Council of the facts of the case at the Council Meeting of October 28, 2024. He was recognized by Mayor Baumgarten and Chief Truver for his continued efforts on drug cases in Castle Shannon.
Aug 16th, 2023 @ 11:09 AM
The Castle Shannon Police Department received Accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police on April 25, 2023.
You may read more about the process here https://pcpa.memberclicks.net/accreditation-home
The status was ratified at the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Conference in July and Chief James Adams, Accreditation Program Director presented our plaque at the Borough Council Meeting of August 14, 2023.
We are very proud of our agency for reaching this milestone, but especially our Accreditation Manager Lt. David Lane for shepherding us through the process.
You may recognize the accreditation seal on our patrol vehicles and our officers are wearing the accreditation pin on their class A uniforms.
CSPD Officer Gavin Rebholz was sworn in by Mayor Baumgarten on Monday August 14, 2023.
Gavin's wife Shannon pinned his badge on his uniform in front of friends, family and his new peers.
Welcome aboard Officer!
Mayor Donald Baumgarten was recognized at the Pennsylvania State Mayors Conference in July with the Abbie Montecalvo Longevity of Service award for 53 years of dedicated service to the Borough of Castle Shannon.
The Mayors’ Association President James Nowalk, Whitehall Borough presented the mayor with a plaque at the Borough Council meeting of August 14, 2023.
Mayor Tom Riel presented Mayor Don Baumgarten with the Abbie Montecalvo Longevity of Service award for 53 years of dedicated service to the Borough of Castle Shannon at the Pennsylvania Mayors Conference in Lancaster-July 2023
On Monday, June 26, 2023 - 4 MRTSA Paramedics, a Castle Shannon Police Officer, and a Telecommunications Officer from Allegheny County 911 were recognized at the Castle Shannon Borough meeting for their role in saving the life of a cardiac arrest victim this past May. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association presented awards to all of these providers for their hard work and dedication. We could not be more proud of all involved.
Castle Shannon Borough Council and Medical rescue Team South EMS recognized 2 civilians, 2 officers and 2 paramedics at the Borough Council meeting of Monday January 23, 2023.
CSPD responded to an ambulance call on December 28, 2022, where an adult male was unresponsive.
Upon arrival Officer Recker came upon 2 Good Samaritans performing CPR on the fallen patient.
Officer took over CPR until MRTSA EMS medics Widmer and Davies arrived.
The medics were able to revive the patient, based on the intervention of the civilians (Erick Rigby of Pittsburgh and Michael Vignovich of Mt Lebanon).
Medical Rescue Team South EMS is planning to recognize the civilians again at a future Authority Board meeting.
Congratulations to all involved.
This is a good opportunity to remind everyone of the value of learning CPR.
Lt Brian McKeown was recognized at the Castle Shannon Borough Council meeting of December 12, 2022.
Lt McKeown graduated from the 14th session of the Pennsylvania State Police Leadership Development Class on November 4, 2022. He was one of only a few local law enforcement leaders selected to join their State Police Supervisor counterparts in the rigorous course of instruction.
Pictured above: Mayor Donald Baumgarten ~ Lt Brian McKeown ~ Chief Kenneth Truver
Sergeant John Kiefer was recognized at the Castle Shannon Borough Council meeting of December 12, 2022.
John graduated from the 284th session of the FBI National Academy on December 8, 2022. He is the 5th CSPD supervisor to have the privilege to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Pictured above: Mayor Donald Baumgarten ~ Sgt John Kiefer ~ Chief Kenneth Truver
....John's son Noah pinned his Sergeant's badge on him (with daughter Hannah watching closely).
L-R
CSPD Ofc Recker, Ofc Majors, MRTSA Lt. Terkel, Director Kelly
Watch the video to the end ~ https://youtu.be/ImXzrfnqy0E
CSPD participated in the PA Special Olympics Polar Plunge on February 26, 2022
On 8-23-21 Castle Shannon Mayor and Borough Council recognized Castle Shannon Officers for their heroic actions on 7-29-21, when they responded for mutual aid to assist Mt Lebanon Police with a critical incident (homicide and active shooter incident) on Gilkeson Rd.
Lt David Lane, Officer John Kiefer and Officer Dan Janeda were presented with Meritorious Service Awards.
Pictured here L to R: CSPD Chief Ken Truver, Ofc J. Kiefer, Lt. D. Lane, Ofc D. Janeda, MLPD Chief A. Lauth, MLPD Lt. P. O'Brien.
The 40th Anniversary Run took place from June 7th - 9th, featured over 500 participants representing more than 50 law enforcement teams, and raised more than $50,000 for Special Olympics.
CSPD runners: Officer John Kiefer, Officer Dan Janeda, Officer Justin Majors
At the Borough Council meeting of October 26 Officer Tom Yonek was recognized for 25 years of service.
Mayor Baumgarten read a proclamation honoring Officer Yonek, who has served as a Police Officer since 1995.
Tom was a K9 officer with his partner Xato and has served as a patrol officer and Officer in Charge during his tenure.
Chief Truver presented Yonek with his retired officer badge and retired credentials. Yonek was surrounded by his family and his peers to celebrate his career. His last shift on patrol is November 8, 2020. We wish him well.
Lieutenant McKeown supervises department investigations, is the Information Technology Liaison, and oversees property and evidence management. He is a Keystone Oaks Graduate and has been with the Castle Shannon Police Department since 1998. Brian graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2016 (Session 264) and is a member of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.
Pictured :Lyndsay McKeown (and son Killian) pinning Lt bars on her husband’s collar
Mayor Baumgarten swearing in the new Lieutenant
At the June 25, 2018 Borough Council meeting, 3 Castle Shannon Police Officers were recognized for outstanding achievements.
Sgt (now Lieutenant) Brian McKeown was recognized for completing the Trilogy Leadership courses from FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development.
Officer John Kiefer was recognized for completing training to become a Drug Recognition Expert. The Training was sponsored by the IACP and the Pennsylvania DUI Association.
Officer Justin Majors was recognized for performing lifesaving CPR on an infant at a residence in April, 2018.
Congratulations Chief Truver
Chief Truver was sworn in as the President of the Allegheny County Chiefs of Police Association for 2017.
Mayor Baumgarten administered the oath of office at the February 2017 meeting held at South Hills Country Club.
Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Joe Caruso on his retirement. Joe started with CSPD in September 1980. His last day is February 7, 2017.
Borough Council recognized Sgt. Caruso at the January 23, 2017 Council meeting and Mayor Baumgarten read a Proclamation celebrating 36+ years of service to the Borough and the Castle Shannon Police Department.
We all wish Joe well in his next chapter.
Lt. Lane was sworn in as President of the Western PA Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates.
His oath was administered by Special Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division, Robert Johnson at the February Chapter meeting.
Congratulations Lt. Lane
Promotion To Sergeant
Officer James P. Fleckenstein, Jr. was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the Borough Council meeting of Monday, November 28, 2016.
Fleckenstein is the Department Range Master, a Firearms Instructor, a certified MPOETC Instructor, Motor Carrier Safety (Truck) Inspector and Field Training Officer. He was also formerly a K9 handler.
Sergeant Fleckenstein has been with Castle Shannon Borough since 2000.
Shown L-R: Chief Truver, Sgt. Ed Kach, Sgt. Rob Stiglich, Ofc. Giles Wright, TCO Walter Dobson and the son of Ofc. Keith Jones
The Castle Shannon Police Department was recognized by the American Automobile Association (AAA-East Central) at the Annual Community Traffic Safety Awards luncheon at the Cranberry Marriott on Wednesday November 9, 2016.
CSPD received the highest honor at the Platinum level for their continued diligence in traffic enforcement efforts, truck safety, DUI, seat belt and aggressive driver enforcement as well as preventive efforts if traffic engineering and signage, school safety and pedestrian safety.
Pictured L-R are James Lehman-AAA EC President, CSPD-Chief Ken Truver, Castle Shannon Mayor-Don Baumgarten
The K9 team of Officer Jim Fleckenstein and Riad were recognized at the Borough Council meeting of 8-8-16.
FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia -Session # 264
Sergeant Brian McKeown of the Castle Shannon Police Department was one of 213 law enforcement officers who graduated on June 10, 2016 from the FBI National Academy Program at Quantico, Virginia. The 264th Session of the NA consisted of men and women from 47 states. Included were members of law enforcement agencies from the District of Columbia, 21 international countries, four military organizations and eight federal civilian organizations.
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders that serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad, and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 10 weeks of training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.
Its mission is "…to support, promote, and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic, and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world."
Sergeant McKeown took courses in Leadership, Ethics and Decision Making, Drugs, Society, and Contemporary Enforcement Strategies, Critical Incident Leadership (Negotiations Principles), Contemporary Issues in Police and Media Relations, Overview of Forensic Science for Managers and Administrators, and Law Enforcement Fitness. He also completed the Marine Fitness Course titled “The Yellow Brick Road” and earned a coveted yellow brick, as a badge of his perseverance and commitment to the program.
Sergeant McKeown joins the ranks of less than 1% of law enforcement executives who are invited to attend the program.
Police Chief Ken Truver representing Local Police Chiefs as 2015 President of the Western Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police with the United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch.
The AG was in Pittsburgh to address the F.O.P. convention in August 2015. She met with Local, County and Federal Law Enforcement Agency Leaders at the behest of the US Attorney for W Pa. David Hickton.
Welcome Officer Daniel S. Janeda to the Castle Shannon Police Department November 9, 2015.
Dan is a graduate of Point Park University and previously worked for Carnegie Mellon University Police. He was sworn in at the Borough Council meeting of November 9, 2015.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Myrtle Elementary School September 11, 2015.
Students from Myrtle Elementary School paid tribute to Emergency Responders as part of their 9/11 remembrance ceremony.
Center for Victims recognize The Castle Shannon Police Department April 12, 2015.
The Castle Shannon Police Department was recently recognized by the Center for Victims at their Peace it Together ceremony on March 12, 2015. CSPD was one of the first Police Departments in the region to adopt the Lethality Assessment Program. The protocol involves a survey for victims of domestic violence to assess the potential for violence before, during and after police involvement of an incident. If the proper triggers are noted, the victim is immediately referred to a victim advocate for follow up and assistance. Borough Council recognized the agency and Mayor Baumgarten presented a certificate at the Council meeting of 4-13-14.
Castle Shannon Police Department AAA Platinum Award. November 23, 2014.
The Castle Shannon Police Department was among 40 western Pennsylvania police agencies that earned AAA Platinum Awards for their community traffic safety efforts, according to officials at AAA East Central. This is the sixth consecutive year the Castle Shannon police department has received the recognition. Mayor Baumgarten and Chief Truver accepted the award plaque at a ceremony in Cranberry in November. The awards were given to “commendable leaders” for their safety efforts and enforcement activities geared towards making communities safer. The departments were among hundreds nationwide that participated in the Community Traffic Safety Program and among 91 regional entrants recognized by AAA. “We are very proud of the departments for their achievement and participation in the Community Traffic Safety Program,” said J.J. Miller, AAA safety adviser. “They went above and beyond the call of duty by organizing projects which would make their community a safer place for motorists as well as local residents.” To be eligible for the annual awards, a community must conduct traffic safety promotions and educate the public on safety topics. Castle Shannon Police Chief Ken Truver said the recognition results from a proactive approach to traffic safety by the police department and the department’s participation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to monitor traffic issues and conditions. Efforts to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians in Castle Shannon are based on three E’s — education, enforcement and engineering — with PennDOT, the Borough and our contracted engineers supplying the third component, Truver said.
Lt Dave Lane and Ofc Jim Fleckenstein with Steely McBeam at the Castle Shannon Fall Festival
Torch Run 2014
Sergeant McKeown and Officer Watkins ran the Law Enforcement Torch Run on 6-3-14 to raise awareness and funds for the PA Special Olympics.
Officer Brian Mckeown Promoted to Sergeant
Brian McKeown was sworn in by Castle Shannon Mayor Donald Baumgarten at the January Borough Council Meeting on 1-13-14
Sgt McKeown has served as a Field Training Officer and is the Department Investigator and evidence custodian. He is also certified as an MPOETC Municipal Police Instructor.
Chief Ken Truver said, "This officer is a stand out performer and has proven himself worthy of promotion time and again."
Castle Shannon Police Lt Michael Cheberenchick Retires
Lt Michael Cheberenchick worked his last day of patrol on December 31, 2013.
While his retirement isn’t effective until 2-1-14, Mike will be using his final accumulated vacation time in the month of January.
Lt Cheberenchick served the Borough as a police officer for over 35 years. Please wish him well in his retirement.
CSPD K9 Nitro Retiring after almost 8 years of service to the Borough
Nitro, a Belgian Malinois was born in Holland on February 20, 2003. He was trained in Colorado and Ohio, before starting his Pennsylvania Law Enforcement career in Verona, Pa.
On October 2005 Nitro was paired with Castle Shannon Police Officer Jeff Recker and they were certified as a K9 Team.
In addition to conducting scores of K9 demonstrations and community service details, Nitro was responsible for numerous criminal apprehensions and the seizure of an abundance of drugs, paraphernalia and illegal cash.
The K9 Team of Recker and Nitro also were credited with finding missing children, endangered persons, and conducting article searches and assisting with crowd control at community events and disturbances in Castle Shannon and neighboring communities.
The pair will be honored at a brief ceremony during the June 10, 2013 Borough Council Meeting.
Officer Justin J. Majors hired as a Castle Shannon Police Officer
Officer Justin J. Majors was recently hired as a Castle Shannon Police Officer.
Officer Majors was sworn in at District Judge Barton’s Office on April 29, 2013, and a ceremonial swearing in by Mayor Baumgarten will take place at the May 13, 2013 Council meeting.
Justin is a graduate of Hopewell High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Slippery Rock University.
He graduated from The Beaver County Community College Police Academy and previously worked as a Police Officer in McDonald Borough and Ohioville Borough.
Sgt David Lane promoted to Lieutenant
David Lane was promoted to the rank of lieutenant with the Castle Shannon Police Department at the Borough Council meeting of March 11, 2013.
Lieutenant Lane was hired in 1992 as a part time police officer. He was hired full time in 1993 and promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2001.
He has an undergraduate degree from Community College and is a graduate of the 245th session of the FBI National Academy.
To subscribe to Castle Shannon Police Department, click the button below.
Download the CRIMEWATCH app and follow Castle Shannon Police Department.
