Allegheny Township police to be issued firearms, ending practice of carrying personal weapons

Since the 1960s, Allegheny Township police have carried their personal guns on the job, like officers at many small municipal police forces.

Starting this year, however, the township’s police will be supplied with township-issued guns.

At the March 14 township supervisors meeting, Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli presented Allegheny Township police Chief Duane Fisher with a $9,300 check toward the purchase of weapons. Ziccarelli said the funding came from illicit drug money forfeitures.

Newly elected Supervisor James Morabito said eliminating the need for officers to provide their own gun for work has been a priority for him.

“I was shocked, to say the least, to learn the police officers had different calibers and had to use their own firearms,” Morabito said.

Morabito said 15 Glocks with holsters will be ordered in April. Upon delivery, the officers will test the new weapons at Vandergrift Sportsmens Club.

Morabito said a specific Glock model hasn’t been decided upon. A representative from Glock is scheduled to visit March 29 to review models with township officials.

Allegheny Township employs 11 full-time and three part-time police officers. The department is trying to fill two positions, left vacant from the recent retirements of veteran officers Anita King and Todd Veselicky.

Chief Fisher said the new firearms will fulfill what he described as a “critical need.”

“Research has recognized that uniform sidearms issued by the agency will enhance officer safety and reduce liability and the costs and logistics of maintaining multiple ammunition calibers,” Fisher said.

At the meeting, Ziccarelli said, “I made a commitment to the people of Westmoreland County to protect our communities and support the police. They need and deserve firearm uniformity as they protect and serve the community in Allegheny Township.”

Chief Fisher said the brands of service revolvers, their calibers, ammunition and holsters have differed among various officers.

“When I first came to the township I realized it was a BYOF — Bring Your Own Firearm,” Fisher said. “Now, we can have the same type of holsters, and it will cost less for ammunition and our officers will be that much safer.”

Neighboring police departments vary on their firearm policies.

Leechburg Police Chief Jason Schaeffer said the borough does not provide guns for any of its police officers.

“That’s the way it’s always been here with the borough,” Schaeffer said.

Gilpin Supervisor Charles Stull said the township does provide a department-issued gun to its two full-time police officers.

In Vandergrift, officers have the option of using their own gun or using one provided by the borough.

Fisher said he was thankful to have the support of every township supervisor.

“I would especially like to thank Supervisor Morabito for making contact with a manufacturer and obtaining a venue for this effort,” Fisher said.