O'Hara police Officer Natalie Richards introduced at township council meeting

Recently hired O’Hara Officer Natalie Richards was introduced to the township at a council meeting Tuesday night.

The Lower Burrell resident has been on the force for about a month.

She previously worked as a police officer for Swissvale and Port Authority of Allegheny County.

Richards’ addition brings the O’Hara force to 15 full-time officers. There are no part-timers.

Interim Police Superintendent Ben Wolfson said Richards specializes in community-oriented police work and has been a part of township events such as Pizza with the Police in May.

“She’s brought some extensive experience with her, and it has shown,” Wolfson said. “She’s picking up the streets and everything, and she’s teaching us some things, too. We’re learning some things (from her), which is great for us.”

Richards received a round of applause and said a few words before stepping out for her shift.

“Everybody’s so nice, everybody waves to you,” Richards said of her time in the township so far. “It’s a lot different than what I’ve been in before. The community’s very nice, and it’s nice to be a part of it.”