Shaler hires new police officer

A new police officer is joining the Shaler Township department’s staff of 26 officers.

The Shaler commissioners March 12 hired William English III. The township’s Civil Service Commission sanctioned English’s employment.

English is replacing officer Gregory Steinmetz, who is retiring in May after 28 years of service, Lt. Sean Frank said.

The starting salary for English’s position is $54,370.

English worked more than 17 years as a City of Pittsburgh officer, serving as a patrolman for five years, then working his way up to sergeant and lieutenant. According to English, he spent five years as a member of the department’s crisis and hostage negotiations team and two years providing instruction in firearms, fitness, emergency vehicle operations and other areas at the Allegheny County Police Academy.

From 1991 through 1995, he was a military policeman in the Marine Corps.

English said he applied for the Shaler position because of the positive things he had heard about the department from former City of Pittsburgh officers who now work at Shaler.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work in a smaller township and for a department that seems to be very service- and community-oriented,” said the 46-year-old who grew up in Bellevue.

“I enjoy working with the public and dealing with a wide variety of situations.”

English’s wife, Laura, attended the commissioners meeting.