East Deer merger with Allegheny Valley Regional Police moves closer to reality

East Deer is coming closer to merging its police force with the Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department after receiving two approvals for its application.

The Allegheny Valley Regional Police Commission approved East Deer’s application during a special meeting Jan. 25.

Then, on Friday, Jan. 28, the Springdale Township commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the application. Commissioners Anthony Rozzano and Jacqueline Karan were absent from the meeting.

The combined police department was created in July 2019 as a merger between the Cheswick and Springdale Township police forces. Its commission, which oversees the department, consists of civilian representatives appointed by the two municipalities.

Michael Girardi, a commission member, said the board looked at the combined call volume for Cheswick, Springdale Township and East Deer.

“We used that information to determine what kind of manpower needs we would have,” he said.

Girardi said the board found the merger could bring better coverage and additional staffing.

The commission found that, if East Deer becomes part of the regional department, the police force overall could see an additional 10% in cost savings through 2025

Key meetings set

Cheswick Council will vote on East Deer’s application during its Tuesday, Feb. 8 meeting at 7 p.m.

Cheswick residents can attend a town hall meeting Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the borough building to learn more about what the inclusion of East Deer in the police force could entail.

“We want to make sure residents know what is going on,” said Girardi, who is also a Cheswick councilman.

Springdale Township Commissioner Tim Basilone said he supports the police merger and looks forward to potentially working alongside East Deer.

“It shows us a way we as communities can work together to service our collective communities in these types of areas,” Basilone said.

Once all parties approve East Deer’s application, East Deer can make the merger official by passing an ordinance.

Girardi said, assuming Cheswick approves the merger, the consolidation with the East Deer police could be complete by April. He noted the merger between Cheswick and Springdale Township to create the regional department in 2019 took about three months.