Aspinwall welcomes new part-time patrolman

Aspinwall officials recently welcomed a fresh face to the borough police force.

Hunter Thompson, 22, of Hampton, was sworn in by Mayor Joe Noro as the newest part-time patrolman on July 9.

Thompson said he is familiar with the borough and is excited to serve the residents.

“I always drive through the community,” he said. “I’m right up the road in Hampton. It seems like a very nice community. I’ve seen officers doing their jobs. They always look professional in what they’re doing. I know I’ve chosen the right spot. It seems like a good area to start my job.”

Thompson graduated from Hampton High School in 2020 and from the Allegheny County Police Academy in June.

Patrolling Aspinwall streets is his first opportunity in law enforcement.

Thompson said he was inspired to get into law enforcement by his cousin, Robert Thompson, who works as a detective in the Indiana Township Police Department.

“I always look up to him as a role model,” Thompson said. “He’s a little bit older than me and he would always tell me stories of law enforcement. I’m not one to sit still. I didn’t want a desk job. I always felt I had a higher purpose than just a desk job. I want to get out here.

”I want to protect people. … Helping people in need, I was always a big fan of that.”

Thompson said Robert’s advice included “keeping my mouth shut and (keep) learning” on the job.

“I’m a sponge,” the new officer said. “I’m willing to learn anything I can, any time I can.”

Thompson’s first major community event was Aspinwall’s Big Night Out on Aug. 7.

He mingled with a lot of folks and assisted with his department’s prize raffle.

“I met so many great people out here,” Thompson said.

There are nine police officers in Aspinwall with seven full-time and two part-time, including Thompson.

Police Chief Dave Nemec said his new recruit had great energy and an even better attitude during the interview process.

“You can tell right from the very beginning how someone’s going to react to your questions,” Nemec said. “I think we’ve been pretty good over the years with the part-timers we’ve had and officers we’ve hired. I think we do pretty good at getting to know them and their feelings about community.”

Deputy Police Chief Michael Vith, Noro and Borough Manager Melissa O’Malley were also involved in the officer screening.

“Part-time officers are hired when needed,” O’Malley said. “Applications are available anytime. I was part of the interview process. Hunter is a new officer eager to work in a community that focuses on community policing. He has a great personality and is a good fit for our department.”

Thompson’s starting salary is $19 per hour.

The swearing-in was not on last month’s agenda.