A one-time school custodian who became a police officer has been recognized as the 2025 officer of the year in Ross.
Officer Joseph Pokorny earned the award “for modeling what the ideal Ross police officer should be,” Ross police Chief Cristyn Zett said.
“Officer Pokorny’s enthusiasm and positive attitude are unmatched,” she said at the March 2 commissioners meeting. “His public persona is professional and confidence-inspiring, and his private persona is entertaining and laid back. He is an ultimate team player.”
Pokorny, 35, is a Ross native and resident and a 2008 graduate of North Hills High School. He has been a police officer in Ross for going on two years, and was previously an officer in Pittsburgh for just over six years.
Before becoming a police officer — something Pokorny said he had always wanted to do — he had been a custodian for the Shaler Area School District.
Pokorny and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, ages 8 and 6, and a 2-year-old daughter. They are expecting a fourth child.
Sgt. Matthew Immekus earned the Ross department’s 2025 leadership award. Immekus, 42, has been with Ross for 15 years and previously worked for Pittsburgh, Mt. Oliver and Brentwood.
Zett said Immekus was recognized “for his unwavering optimism, which helps build morale and trust in the department and the community.”
“He is always the first to volunteer and brings enthusiasm, empathy and tremendous work ethic to every project. His focus on helping others is exemplary,” she said. “He is a people-oriented leader and has been critical in our transition over the last three years.”
A Penn Hills native and 2002 Penn Hills School District graduate, Immekus lives in Indiana Township with his wife, Haley, and their two sons, ages 14 and 12, and two daughters, ages 5 and 3.
Immekus cited the officers who serve under him on the police force. “The recognition really belongs to my guys,” he said. “My success is measured by their success.”
Officers were nominated for the awards by their peers and supervisors.
Two officers, Andrew Notbohm and Ronald Redman, were nominated for both officer of the year and the leadership award and will receive departmental commendations.
Seven officers were nominated for the leadership award and will also receive commendations — Sgts. Dean Chiaramonte and Jordan Seese; Det. Michael Kirtley; and officers Robert Farina, David Horak, Francis Capobianco and Michael Daley.
“These individuals stand out as exceptional officers, dedicated leaders and trusted partners in service. Each one has distinguished themselves through their actions, their character and their unwavering commitment to our mission,” Zett said. “They are role models in every sense.”