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Detective Frank Marks called it a career with the Bethel Park police force after about 28 years of service to take a more administrative role in another community department.
He formally punched out from the borough force April 23 and went straight to work that afternoon as Crescent Township’s deputy chief.
“I’m loving it,” Marks said about his new journey. “The transition has been very smooth. The command that I’m working for is the best. The officers that I’ve had contact with are fantastic. I’m really enjoying it. I was asked to join this department in the capacity of pushing this department further into the future.”
The Mt. Lebanon native was hired by Bethel Park in 1993 after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for several years.
He rose through the ranks from patrolman to K-9 officer and then detective.
“I’ve known him for over six years,” Chief Timothy O’Connor said. “He’s always been a very excellent, dedicated officer and detective. He’s had many years of service here at Bethel Park. He’s handled a variety of cases, including burglaries and child abuse. He’s always very diligent in his investigations.”
Marks volunteered years ago to become Bethel Park’s K-9 officer and worked with partner, Unto. He believes giving people warnings can be more impactful than writing tickets.
“I’ve always had that kind of caretaking personality,” Marks said. “I like the idea of search and rescue and helping people. It branched over to law enforcement with my experience in the Coast Guard. Not everybody needs to be arrested. I’m a big believer in looking at the big picture.”
Bethel Park still has 35 officers with Mark’s departure.
O’Connor hopes to promote the next detective from within, and is looking to hire a new officer in the fall.
“(Mark) served as a role model for the newer officers to follow, and his retirement leaves us with a loss that’s going to be hard to replace,” O’Connor said. The department paid tribute to Marks via its Facebook page.
RETIREMENT: Detective Frank Marks retires today after over 27 years of service to the residents of Bethel Park. Det….
Posted by Bethel Park Police Department on Friday, April 23, 2021
Crescent police Chief Kenneth Longerman said he has known Marks for nearly his entire law enforcement career. The two met while Longerman served in South Park.
The township department has eight officers including one part-timer. Most are rookies compared to Marks.
“We were looking to bring his expertise as far as conducting investigations and as a mentor to these younger officers,” Longerman said. “In today’s day and age, with the things that are going on with law enforcement around the country, he’s a perfect fit. There’s just so much that he brings to the table it’s phenomenal.”
Marks lives in Bethel Park with his wife and family.
He said it is an honor to pass on knowledge to the younger generation and continue to grow as a person.
“I understand everybody makes mistakes,” he said. “I was a bad kid growing up. I’m 52 years old. I still apologize to this day for what I put my parents through. I’m not doing this for the money. I’m doing this because I’m enjoying it.”
