Bethel Park Police honor officers of the year; department posts solicitor permits and issues dating-scam safety tips

Bethel Park Police Chief Arnold recognized three officers with annual awards and used his remarks to share public-safety and community-notice items.

Awards: Chief Arnold named Officer Ross Small the first-place officer of the year; Officer Jorge Zarate placed second and Officer Amber DeFranco placed third. Arnold described the winners’ assignments and recent service (for example, DeFranco as a community resource officer; Zarate on midnight shift; Small on the 3–11 shift).

Solicitors and no-knock list: Arnold said the police department will begin posting approved solicitor permits on its social media to notify residents which solicitors hold valid permits for the permit period. He reminded residents that solicitors are provided a copy of the ordinance and the municipality’s no-knock list, and he asked that residents call the department at (412) 833-2000 if a solicitor who knocks at a registered no-knock address should be reported.

Safety tips: Chief Arnold also warned about romance/“confidence” scams ahead of Valentine’s Day: he recommended refraining from sharing excessive personal information, using reputable dating sites, doing reverse-image searches on photos, resisting tactics that isolate victims from friends and family, and never sending money, cryptocurrency or gift cards to someone one has only communicated with online or by phone.

He closed by listing several upcoming community events on department social channels, including a Valentine’s Day “duck hunt” promotion and a canine-for-a-day event in March to benefit local rescue dogs.