IN Canon-Mac Summer 2016 | Seite 72

NO R TH STR ABA N E TO WNS H IP NE WS or th Strabane There have been two recent personnel additions to the North Strabane Township Police Department. Officers Patrick Lee and Brian Korey were hired in March and are now in the Field Training Officer Program. Officer Patrick Lee was raised in Uniontown and graduated from Uniontown Senior High School, where he ran for the cross country and track teams. Due to his interest in law enforcement, he completed a senior project with the Uniontown Police Department. After graduating high school in 2008, Patrick attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Religious Studies. During his time at IUP, he was an active member of the IUP Criminology Association for four years. He served as the Association’s president for a year, and was a Residence Assistant at the dorms for two years. Patrick’s law enforcement career began in the summer of 2010 as a seasonal police officer at Bethany Beach, Delaware. He served with the Bethany Beach Police Department for four summers. He attended the Allegheny County Police Academy and was later hired as a part-time police officer by Ambridge Borough, Ingram Borough, and Edgeworth Borough Police Departments. Some of Patrick’s favorite pastimes consist of going to the gym, running, and Netflix marathons. A s of June 2016, Police K-9 Drago completed his first year of service with the North Strabane Township Police Department. During his time on duty, Drago has had more than three dozen calls for service. The majority of those calls were assists with searches (i.e. vehicles, buildings, and tracks for suspect). Many of those searches have led to arrests and subsequent convictions. Drago has completed more than 224 hours of maintenance training within the last year to ensure his skills are sharp. Drago and his handler, Officer Matt Mancini, have since recertified with the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA), which they are required to do annually. Since joining the Department, Drago has had the opportunity to meet many members of our community and local businesses 70 Canon-Mac Officer Brian Korey grew up in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and attended Bethel Park High School. He realized he wanted to pursue a law enforcement career while he was in high school after joining the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program with the local police department. After high school, he attended the University of Pittsburgh. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and a minor in Legal Studies. He then attended the Allegheny County Police Training Academy in North Park. Brian has been a sworn police officer since 2009, and has worked in three different counties in Pennsylvania. Brian enjoys in his free time being outdoors, playing guitar, and playing hockey. He looks forward to a long and successful law enforcement career with North Strabane, and is proud to be part of a great community. through presentations and demonstrations. He frequents the various schools within the Canon McMillan School District, and has become popular with the students and faculty. A big thank you goes to the fundraising efforts of township resident Bonnie Wishner and so many others who have supported and contributed to the K-9 program. Township resident Myke Watterson donated the funds necessary to purchase Drago’s bullet proof and stab resistant vest. Drago received his life saving “first aid kit” from the organization, “We Ride to Provide.” This was made through the donation of resident Rachel Nash and family. The K-9 program has been very successful this past year due to efforts of so many people, especially Officer Matt Mancini for his dedication and commitment. Any organization or local business is always encouraged to call the Police Department at 724.746.8474 to schedule a K-9 demonstration.