est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS
Borough of Jefferson Hills Recognized as a 2024 Banner Community
In April , the Borough of Jefferson Hills was named a 2024 Banner Community by both Allegheny County and the Allegheny League of Municipalities ( ALOM ). The Banner Communities Program award recognizes municipalities that have focused their operations on professional development , prudent fiscal management , transparency , accountability , and proactive communications . This is the Borough of Jefferson Hills ’ sixth time receiving this award .
In order to be eligible for consideration for the Banner Communities Program , the municipality ’ s elected and appointed officials must :
t Participate in educational or training programs through ALOM , the Local Government Academy or the PA Department of Community & Economic Development or participate in a governing mentoring program t Be active members in good standing with ALOM and the county municipal associations , and have a representative attending at least a minimum of 50 % of county association meetings t Be active members in good standing in a COG and attend COG meetings , participate in a COG cooperative purchasing program and participate in at least one shared municipal service t Conduct a Local Government Week activity by conducting a local activity promoting local government or communicating with the community about delivery of services
Meet the Newest Member of the JHPD – Nala !
Thanks to the Jefferson Hills Police Department ( JHPD )/ Chill Project Wellness Program , approved during the April Council meeting , the JHPD has proudly welcomed Nala into their ranks . Dedicated to the overall health and wellness of its members , the department committed to this program to improve the mental health of officers while eliminating the stigma around seeking support for mental health issues caused by exposure to traumatic events and the daily stress of a career in law enforcement . This fourlegged companion is set to bring a wealth of comfort and joy to officers .
Nala , a Bernedoodle , was donated to the department by West Penn Doodles . She will be officially incorporated into the wellness program once she is certified as a therapy dog in February 2025 . Currently , Nala and Lieutenant King attend obedience training sessions once a week at Control is Key Dog Training . After completing basic training , she will transition to
Newborn Nala . therapy work training , and during this time , she will also volunteer at senior care homes and other locations . Following her year-long training , at about one year old , Nala will officially become therapy dog certified by the American Kennel Club ' s Canine Good Citizen Program .
Nala will participate in various community events and visit WJHSD schools . She will also be available for stressful events such as memorial services , funerals , and other challenging situations officers encounter in the field . Studies have shown that interactions with dogs can lower heart rates and blood pressure and alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress , which affects many law enforcement officers to varying degrees . According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police ( IACP ), “ wellness programs featuring dogs can offer practical , affordable , and effective approaches to promoting officer wellbeing .” Further , therapy dogs in public safety have proven to benefit personnel , agencies , and communities .
Join us in welcoming Nala as she embarks on her journey toward becoming a therapy dog for the officers of Jefferson Hills !
Nala ’ s first day at work . Nala at 7 weeks .
Nala and Lt . King headed to training .
t Conduct an effective Citizen Communication Program by offering a municipal newsletter or web-based communication effort , and participate in a class discussion on local government or conducting a shadowing program for junior or senior high school students t Promote and implement long-term sustainable governing practices by earning certification through Sustainable Pittsburgh , managing employee pensions at funding levels of 90 % or above , participating in the annual ALOM Wage and Salary Survey Program , and implementing goals of an up-to-date Municipal Comprehensive Plan
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