September 28, 2005

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Pennridge Regional Police Receive New Wheels

Pennridge Police Officer Donald Bartholomew and Chief David Mettin look on as John Thompson vice president of The Thompson Organization, presents a new bicycle to the Pennridge Regional Police bicycle patrol.

The Pennridge Regional Police bicycle patrol has a new set of wheels.  “Our original two bikes are probably about 8-years-old said Officer Donald Bartholomew, “they’re definitely worn out”. “The new bicycle is lighter than the old ones and can be folded up so the department will no longer need to have bicycle rack on the patrol cars,” he said.

 

The aluminum BMW bicycle sells for about $1,000.00 according the John Thompson vice president of The Thompson Organization. Officers Daryl Lewis and Donald Bartholomew are the Pennridge Regional’s bicycle Patrol Officers.

 

The bicycles are used in parks, housing developments, shopping areas as well rural remote areas. It is credited with increasing contact with the public and helping officers make arrests that might not have been possible from patrol car. The bike patrol is also used for safety and other presentations for students.

Pennridge Regional Police Officer Patrick Karcher receives the oath of office as Sergeant from Bucks County Judge David Heckler.

On April 27, 2005 Pennridge Regional Police Officer Patrick Karcher was promoted to the position of sergeant. Officer Patrick Karcher has been with the Department since the inception in 1992.

 

Pat, a 1980 graduate of Pennridge High School, began his career in law enforcement with the Sellersville Borough Police Department is 1984, moving to the East Rockhill Township Police Department in 1990, before the formation of the regional department.

 

During his time with the Regional Department Officer Karcher has served with the Upper Bucks Tactical Team, Major Incident Response Team and has served as the department’s detective since 2003 until his promotion to sergeant. The department currently has a Chief, David Mettin with two platoons headed by Sergeant Rod Blake and Sergeant Pat Karcher.

Officer Patrick Karcher Promoted To Sergeant

April, 2005

Copyright 2008, East Rockhill Township, Pennsylvania.  All rights reserved.

Pennridge Regional Officers Receive Recognition

members and began investigating the events. Through the investigation Sergeant Karcher worked closely with members of the Bucks County District Attorney Office and the Bucks County Detectives Office and was in charge of collecting all evidence at the residence and follow up investigations. Chief Mettin commended Sergeant Karcher for leadership, knowledge and professionalism and dedication to the community. The responding officers Daniel Branch and Frederick Roesener safely entered the area, coordinated incoming response and advised units of the facts. They cleared the residence and assisted in the collection of evidence. Chief Mettin also commended the officers for their courage, knowledge and professionalism.

 

Officer Daniel Branch received a separate Commendation for his actions of August 28, 2005. At 3:48 pm Officer Branch alertly monitored the Bucks County Communications Department dispatch by the Hilltown Township Police Department reporting a stabbing which ended as homicide. The dispatch “flashed” information that the suspect was observed fleeing in a maroon vehicle. While monitoring traffic along northbound lanes of Route 309 in West Rockhill Township Officer Branch actively observed a maroon Buick Skylark traveling north at a high rate of speed which appeared to match the description. Consequently Officer Branch performed a felony vehicle stop and with the assistance of other Department officers he successfully took the 20 year old suspect into custody. The suspect was later charged with homicide of a Hilltown Township resident. Chief Mettin commended Officer Branch for his “ever vigilant and courageous effort” in observing, stopping and apprehending the subject.

 

Officer Donald Bartholomew received a Commendation for his activities while on bicycle patrol in the area of the Hanson Quarry in East Rockhill Township. During this patrol Officer Bartholomew observed criminal activity, specifically, a male adult filming nude juvenile males. Officer Bartholomew immediately apprehended the suspect, protected the juveniles and collected evidence from the scene and worked closely with members of the Bucks County Detectives Office which led to additional charges being lodged against the suspect. On June 1, 2005 the suspect was found guilty of 228 counts of possessing child pornography and related charges by the Honorable Judge Alan Rubenstein. Chief Mettin commended Officer Bartholomew for his “proactive police presence and investigative skills”.

Pictured, L-R: Sgt. Patrick Karcher, Donald Bartholomew, Fred Roesener, Chief David Mettin, Daniel Branch

On September 28, 2005 Pennridge Regional Police Chief David A. Mettin issued five commendations to 4 officers. Sergeant Patrick Karcher, Officer Daniel Branch and Officer Frederick Roesener received commendations for their actions on June 30, 2005. According the Commendations, the officers responded to 30 Green Leaf Circle in East Rockhill Township for a reported domestic disturbance involving a firearm. Further reports advised a firearms being discharged and upon responding they found that two subjects had been fatally wounded outside the residence. Upon arrival Sergeant Karcher established immediate command and control of the crime scene, insured the protective custody of juvenile family

Chief David A. Mettin flanked by Sergeants Blake and Karcher.

Chief David A. Mettin of the Pennridge Police Department addresses members Of Congress, with Congressman Patrick Murphy (Bucks County, 8th District) by his side.

Pennridge Regional Police Department was impressive before members of Congress last week in Washington D.C.

 

Chief David A. Mettin was asked to speak before members of Congress at the Capital on communications and interoperability issues after the 9/11 Commission Recommendations.

November 7, 2007

Pennridge Regional PD Impressive Before Congress

December 20, 2007

Police Commendations

For the next several months, you followed leads, conducted numerous interviews and kept this investigation in the forefront of importance.  On August 10th, Detective Lewis interviewed a 17 year old female who eventually admitted to being involved in this burglary.  This female also provided the name of her accomplice.  It was unknown where the accomplice was at the time.

 

Through your continued investigation and on October 30, 2007, you and Detective Daryl Lewis responded to a residence in Philadelphia where you believed that this individual may have been staying.  Upon entering the residence, the accomplice in this case was found and arrested.  The accomplice, a 25 year old male, provided you with a full confession of the crime.  

 

On November 13, 2007, the adult in this case pled guilty to the burglary of the Bethel Baptist Church.

 

You are hereby commended for your ever vigilant effort in investigating this case.  Your tenacity in this investigation exemplifies your professionalism and dedication to Law Enforcement. 

 

David A. Mettin

Chief of Police

Daryl Lewis, Tim Maloney, Sgt. Rodney Blake, Chief Mettin

On July 29, 2007, the Bethel Baptist Church located on East Rockhill Rd, East Rockhill Township was burglarized.  Numerous items, including a safe, containing important church documents were taken from inside the church.  Unknown persons had entered the church, tampered with the security cameras and fled.  Very little physical evidence linking suspects to this crime was located.  Two subjects were observed on a surveillance camera, but no identification could be made.

Sergeant Rodney Blake graduated from the 232nd Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico VA.  The prestigious FBINA is a 10 week intensive program designed to improve the leadership skills of upper level Law Enforcement leaders from throughout the United States and countries from around the world.  Less than 1% of all Law Enforcement officers attend this exceptional training program.  Two hundred and eighty men and women from across the globe took part in the 232nd Session, graduating on March 14th,  2008.  FBI Director, Robert Mueller presented Sgt. Blake with his diploma.

 

In addition to attending management and investigative classes,  Sgt. Blake took part in the FBINA “Swim Challenge” and the world renowned , FBINA “Yellow Brick Road” run.  The Swim Challenge consisted of swimming a total of 34 miles over the ten week period.  The Yellow Brick Road was the culmination of an intense, 9 week fitness and running program.  Participants took part in a 3 mile run and finished by completing the Marine Corp. obstacle course.

March 14, 2008

Officer Timothy Maloney received an Academic Accreditation from the Bucks County Emergency Services Training Center and the Bucks County Chiefs of Police Association on May 13, 2008.  Director of Police Training, Harry McCann, presented Officer Maloney with his certificate for completing over 500 hours of Law Enforcement training as well as being actively involved in community events.  Officer Maloney is the Department’s lead accident reconstructionist and is continuing his education at DeSales University.

March 13, 2008

Sergeant Blake Graduate From FBI National Academy

Officer Timothy Maloney Receives Academic Accreditation

Sgt. Blake receiving his diploma from FBI Director Robert Mueller.