Police and Fire

Local Fire, EMS Companies Receive Much-Needed State Grants

Grant funding will be coming to several first responder companies in the 9th Legislative District under a program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), according to Representatives Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). Every emergency service organization that completes the application process receives funding. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. “First responders are at the core of our communities,” said Brown. “Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel treat those…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: On January 17th, at approximately 7:32 a.m., police investigated the report of theft in Perry Township. Police discovered that one or more unidentified people broke into unlocked vehicles, according to criminal complaint. No one has yet to be charged. HARASS PHYSICAL CONTACT: On February 5th, at approximately 2:48p.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance on McCartney Hollow Rd. Both parties, male, one 36, and the other 60 years old, both of Fombell, were engaged in a verbal argument that escalated into a brief physical altercation before both parties separated on their own accord. Charges will be filed,…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: On the dates of January 16th and 17th, multiple victims have reported thefts in the area of Perry Highway and Frew Mill Road in Perry Township, Lawrence County. Through investigation, PA State Police have discovered that several wallets, mechanical tools, check books, and a firearm were taken from the vehicles that were unlocked and parked in driveways. THEFT: Kaitlyn Simmons, 30, of Ellwood City was charged with Theft after an incident on January 23rd. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 4:26 p.m., police received a call of retail theft at Giant Eagle in Franklin Township. Simmons had…


Donation Made To ECPD K9 Fund and Youth Bureau Program

A $5,000 donation through the efforts of the KC Venezie Charitable Foundation and Mayor Anthony J. Court was made this week to the Ellwood City Police Department K9 Fund and Youth Bureau Program. The donation was provided to help support the police departments programs that assist with community protection and safety. The ECPD K9 Fund and its Youth Bureau program are a fully funded by donations. Funds are used for training, equipment, food and housing for the Ellwood City Police Department K9 dog, Nico. Nico is a dual purpose work dog that specializes in narcotics detection as well as area…


Officer Robert Bird Receives A Commendation For Life Saving Act

Officer Robert Bird received a commendation from Mayor Anthony J. Court for his heroic acts that saved a man’s life. Officer Bird was dispatched to a vehicle that crashed into a residence on Orchard Avenue in Ellwood City last week. Upon arrival he encountered a truck that caught fire. The driver of which was trapped inside suffering from a medical emergency. Officer Bird quickly broke the window of vehicle and removed the driver which was engulfed in flames. “We here in the Ellwood City Police Department and Ellwood City Community are extremely proud of Officer Robert Bird. Because of his…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ASSAULT/BURGLARY: A 17-year-old teenager from Wampum is charged with Assault With a Weapon after a Burglary attempt on January 6th. According to a police report, and at approximately 1:51 a.m., police say he broke into a residence on McKim Way, Franklin Township, Beaver County and assaulted two people inside. PA State Police say a 41-year-old man who owned the home noticed a burglar walking down the stairs of his house, later identified as the 17-year-old boy. The teen and the homeowner began fighting in the living room. The noise from the fight woke the homeowner’s son, a 17-year-old male, who…


Congressman Mike Kelly Visits The Borough

Mayor Anthony Court welcomed Congressman Mike Kelly in the borough last Friday. Kelly was in the area and met with the mayor and Sgt. Michael McBride concerning grant funds for police funding. Court and McBride proposed several needs for the department and Congressman Kelly is trying to secure funds through grants. While in Lawrence County, the Congressman followed his visit to Ellwood City with a stop in Wampum to meet with Mayor Jesse Altman and local officials. Congressman Kelly is the U.S. Representative serving the 16th District of Pennsylvania. The counties in the 16th District include Butler County, Crawford County,…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

BAD CHECKS: According to a criminal complaint, on August 17th, police were notified from the owner of The Store, located on Line Ave, that Laquita Thomas, 28, of New Brighton, cashed her payroll check at his business. He provided a copy of the check that was marked Return (Duplicate Presentment) with a $15.00 fee. This was to do with Ms. Thomas already depositing this check into her account using a mobile device the complaint relates. Police spoke with Thomas at her current employer in October of 2023 about this problem. Thomas agreed to pay the money back to The Store,…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

TERRORISTIC THREATS: Michael Polky, 24, of Georgetown, PA, is charged with Terroristic Threats and Simple Assault after an incident on October 16th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 5:39 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence on Wampum Avenue for a domestic. A caller reported her friend was just assaulted by her ex-boyfriend and the suspect fled the scene. Police responded to the residence and interviewed the victim who related that Polky came over to get the rest of his things but he attitude soon changed and he grabbed the victim by her throat and pushed and choked…


Former Employee of Beaver County Health Care Facility Pleads Guilty To Hate Crime Charges Related To Assaults Against Disabled Residents

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to federal hate crime charges, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on Monday. Tyler Smith, 32, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, and one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. According to admissions made during Smith’s plea hearing, he and co-defendant Zachary Dinell were employees of an in-patient health care facility located in New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Residents of the facility suffered from a range of…