Leetsdale police department welcomes first full-time female officer

Celina Kelly may have made Leetsdale history as the newest police officer — police Chief Daniel Raible said he believes Kelly is the department’s first full-time female officer.

She was hired Jan. 11 and sworn in by Mayor Sandra Ford.

Kelly, a New Brighton resident, was selected out of four candidates for the job.

“I’m really excited to start,” she said. “(I love) being able to help the community, being able to help people, and help children.”

She started her law enforcement career in 2018 as a part-time officer in McKees Rocks.

Raible said Kelly’s experience set her apart from the other applicants.

Kelly also worked part-time for various Beaver County police departments, including Freedom, Rochester, Conway and Baden.

She was an officer with the Beaver Valley Regional Police Department and most recently served as a full-time humane officer for the Beaver County Humane Society.

Kelly’s hiring brings the department to six full-time and two part-time officers.

Raible said the added officer will help cut down on overtime and allow for more training opportunities for everyone in the department.

Council president Maria Napolitano said Kelly will be a welcome addition to the department.

“I’m glad to welcome Officer Kelly to the borough and express my complete confidence in the chief and our Civil Service selected the best candidate.”

Kelly’s starting salary is $54,870.

Animal control officer named

• Council added the animal control officer title to Municipal Authority and Shade Tree commissioner Douglas Ford.

Napolitano said the move is mostly ceremonial to conform with borough ordinances, primarily the one involving chicken-raising regulations.

Although one is called for in the ordinance, Napolitano said, “Nobody ever noticed we don’t have an actual animal control officer. It’s an additional duty expected to be on a very occasional basis.”

Chickens are permitted for personal use and enjoyment only, the ordinance read.

Physical abuse or neglect of chickens is prohibited. They must be kept in a coop, have a chicken run, or fenced area at all times. People who want to raise chickens must obtain a permit from the borough animal control officer.

Ford will also field animal complaints and forward them to appropriate agencies.

The additional title does not come with any additional compensation.

Other appointments

• Council reappointed Ford as a delegate and council vice president Osman Awad as alternate delegate to the Allegheny County Boroughs Association.

• Councilwoman Beth Carroll was appointed delegate and Napolitano as alternate delegate to the Quaker Valley Council of Governments.

• Council reappointed Tim Hall to the planning commission with a term ending Dec. 31, 2025.

• There are still vacancies on the zoning hearing board, parks and recreation board and planning commission.

Anyone interested in filling those seats can send resumes and letters of interest to the borough office, 373 Beaver St.