Ross honors 9 police officers in inaugural awards ceremony

Ross recognized several police officers with awards and commendations March 3 in what Deputy Chief Brian Kohlhepp said he hopes is the first of many years of annual awards for its 46-officer staff.

Though nine officers were recognized at a meeting of a township commissioners, two took home special honors. Sgt. Jordan Seese was given the department’s leadership award after being nominated by police rank and file, and Officer Francis Capobianco took home the Officer of the Year award.

Sgt. Dean Chiaramonte, Officer Chad Green, Sgt. Matthew Immekus, Officer Warren Lillie, Officer Andrew Notbohm, Officer Matthew Perkins and Officer Christopher Shortley also were recognized with letters of recognition or commendations by Ross police Chief Cristyn Zett.

“We would not have been able to make as much progress as we have without their individual efforts,” Zett said.

The chief praised Seese’s “determination, fairness and vision,” while highlighting the sergeant’s role as a mentor for younger officers.

As for Capobianco, Zett spoke of the 14-year veteran’s work ethic and “infectious personality” in addition to his “nearly photographic memory” for faces.

A former commander for Pittsburgh Police, Zett was appointed chief in 2023 after a tumultuous period under former Chief Joe Ley that yielded two no-confidence votes from his officers and unrest in the local government.

Ross Commissioners President Dan DeMarco thanked Zett for her work on department improvements, saying she “came through” after tough times.

“We’re so very proud, proud of you, what you’ve done, proud of these gentlemen and proud of the whole department,” DeMarco said.

For his part, Seese said he was “honored” to receive the leadership award, which he said reflected the “hard work and dedication” of the township’s police force.

The first officer of the year of potentially many more in the years to come, Capobianco said he was grateful to receive the award before his family and co-workers and for the opportunity to contribute to Ross.

“(The recognitions) help improve morale and show these officers the good work they do does not go unnoticed,” Kohlhepp said.