Blawnox officials celebrate their police officers' next chapters

Blawnox police Chief Patrick Goodman sat at the main desk of the police station talking with his fellow officers on the first floor of the borough building.

Some wearing fully-equipped uniforms and a part-timer in plain clothes.

It was a familiar scene since 2019 when Goodman took over the small force after having worked for the borough for more than 20 years.

However, things felt different in the department late Dec. 11.

It was the start of the final 20 days of the borough police force.

Goodman and two other full-time patrolmen, Nick Hawk and Carson Cornish, soon will join the O’Hara Township Police Department.

Its officers will serve and protect Blawnox starting Jan. 1.

Part-timers Joe Kozarian and Aaron Zola will not be joining them.

The changing of the guard is part of an intergovernmental agreement to boost manpower and coverage.

Township police Superintendent Jay Davis will lead the department, which is expected to have about 16 full-time officers with the Blawnox acquisition.

Davis said earlier this year his station did not need any major remodeling to make room for the new officers, and the township is ready to welcome them.

Blawnox police equipment and cruisers would become township property. Vehicles would be redecaled to reflect the additional coverage area.

“It’s definitely a sign of the times,” Goodman said of the merger. “Staffing police departments is becoming harder by the day. It’s unfortunate that we have to see this patch that we’ve worn proudly for so many years go away.”

The mood in the Blawnox station was somber and yet somewhat joyful.

All of the officers said the move will be better for their schedules and allow more time to spend with their families.

Cornish said having more officers not only means more backup on patrols and answering calls, but less stress when it comes to scheduling vacations with his wife and dogs.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” he said. “It sucks giving up a small team. I feel like we’re a little bit closer here. They obviously have more employees than us. If we were to take any time off (here), we’d have to work with someone in order to do that.”

Officers said they are familiar with O’Hara as part of their mutual aid and feel they will be able to learn more about the township very quickly.

Zola, who has 27 years of law enforcement under his belt, said he may look into policing at hospitals and universities. His dream is to open up an auto mechanic shop in a few years with his son, Christian.

“After all the years of giving up nights, holidays and weekends and missing a bunch of family time, I think that I’m going to probably start fresh,” Zola said.

Kozarian’s full-time job is the school safety and security coordinator for the Fox Chapel Area School District. He has 25 years in law enforcement.

“I’ve got five grandchildren and five children,” Kozarian said. “They’re all grown, but (I’ll) spend more time with them. I missed out on a lot of stuff on weekends with them. I’m going to try and see how working one job is after all these years. I think I might enjoy it.”

The positive vibes on Dec. 11 also had something to do with borough officials that evening.

Mayor Anthony Gross read a proclamation outlining the history of the department and how it “has provided 99 years of exemplary service to the community.”

Brief history

Blawnox Police Department was established in 1925.

Harry Roberts served as its first chief of police and laid the foundation for a legacy of integrity and dedication that has been carried by succeeding chiefs, the proclamation read.

Other chiefs included John Tregor, Grant McMaster, L.D. Skinner, Regis Whalen, Howard Geyer, Vernon Gearheart, Michael Belotti, George Bucha and Goodman.

Blawnox’s Civil Service Commission was established January 1948 to ensure fair and effective hiring practices and reinforcing department professionalism.

Gross said officers have demonstrated exceptional commitment and valor, receiving numerous commendations including the Amen Award from the Amen Corner and the Top Gun Award from the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association.

“The Blawnox Police Department has continually upheld its mission to protect and serve the residents of the borough, fostering safety, trust and community well-being,” the mayor said.

Council appreciation

Council unanimously voted to adopt the resolution honoring and thanking the department.

“I hope you always know you have friends here,” council Vice President Randall Stoddard said.

Borough Manager Kathy Ulanowicz served cake from Oakmont Bakery after the meeting.

Councilwoman Katie Specht-Coban created miniature scenes for each officer.

They were maybe a little more than a foot tall and sat about on a round, nearly 6-inch-diameter spinable plate.

Items inside included framed photos of the officers. Other photos featured their pets and other family members.

Their badge numbers and police patches also were inside the displays.

Each scene also included miniature versions of police equipment including handcuffs and firearms, along with a few of their favorite things such as pizza and Red Bull, chocolate, a video game controller, black ice air fresheners and Superman capes to show they are heroes.

Specht-Coban said she consulted with the borough manager to make sure her gifts were tailor-made for each person.

“I try to make it a little specific toward them,” she said. “I live right across the street (from the station) and see them every day. They take care of us so it’s important. They are the most important people in town. They keep us safe. If you can’t give back to your cops, what are you going to do?”

Specht-Coban said it took her about 22 hours to create all the displays.

“We’re exceptionally grateful,” Goodman said of all the recognition. “Tonight is just another example of support and trust that our council has in us. We’re grateful to have them.”

No decision has been made on the future of the police station.

Council President Deborah Laskey said she expects her colleagues will feel like empty nesters or parents sending their children off to school in the coming weeks.

“For 99 years, you had an occupant,” Laskey said. “You had people coming in and out of the building. Now come Jan. 1 that’s all changing. … It’s going to be an adjustment, but it was a very good move.”