Verona welcomed two police officers to its force earlier this month.
Officers Jordan Brasile and Jonathan Preece were sworn in during the council’s December meeting, marking the latest move by the borough to bolster its police department.
“We appreciate you coming to work in Verona,” said Verona Mayor David Ricupero.
In addition to the hires, police Chief Thomas Dessell gave a special recognition to state Constable Jim Gartner for the help he provided the police department while they were short-staffed.
“For a long time, we were short-handed,” Dessell said. “Any time we had a prisoner, instead of running them down to the (Allegheny) County Jail, Jim has been Johnny on the Spot.”
Dessell said Gartner consistently made himself available to the borough’s police department to help with transports.
“Jim has been an asset that has been tremendous,” Dessell said. “We can’t thank him enough. He’s done so much for this town. I kind of wish he was a (Verona) officer because he would be the best.”