Penn Hills police hits staffing target with 5 new officers and 1 canine

Five Penn Hills police officers raised their right hands for a swearing-in ceremony at the July 17 council meeting — and another raised its paw.

Michael Barnes, 25; Jarrod Chiaramonte, 24; Daniel Lore, 28; David Twidwell, 31; and Joseph Grieco, 24, bring the total number of full-time officers to 57.

Police dog Oden has joined the Canine Division under handler Jason Bonace.

Councilwoman Joanne Fascio touted the officers’ “optimism and energy,” while acknowledging the challenges of the job.

“Public service is difficult,” Fascio said. “Public safety is a road I never could travel.”

The latest hires are the culmination of efforts by Police Chief Ronald Como, who’s in charge of staffing, to reach the full budget complement of 57 officers (council swore in another 10 officers in January).

The municipality budgeted around $10.7 million for police in 2023, including administrative, patrol and investigative salaries, equipment, other supplies and crossing guards.

Mayor Pauline Calabrese said “it’s tough out there” in terms of hiring, but the municipality has managed to grow the department’s ranks to the highest in more than a decade by covering half the cost of the police academy. The other half comes from grants.

“The requirements are stringent and the last couple years, some folks weren’t going in that direction,” Calabrese said.

After the academy, new hires spend a year on the road with a training officer, Calabrese added.

Penn Hills has one of the largest police forces in Allegheny County as some departments struggle to hit their target staffing levels. Ross Township has 42 of 44 budgeted officers and Monroeville has 44 of 48, for example.

“It’s pretty exciting to have a full complement of officers,” Calabrese said. “I think it’s a reflection that it’s a good atmosphere to work in.”