Sewickley welcomes familiar face as its newest full-time patrolman

Richard Stuart placed his right hand on a small Bible held by his father.

It was maybe 4-inches long; the same book used in December 1978 when the patriarch, Brian Stuart, swore his oath to become an inspector for the national police force of South Africa.

The son followed in his father’s footsteps with a love of law enforcement.

While accompanied by Mayor George Shannon, the recently hired full-time patrolman swore to protect and serve the people of Sewickley on April 9.

“(It’s) absolutely awesome,” Stuart said. “It’s something that I dreamed about ever since working here previously. … I had always had a passion toward law because of (my father).

“I eventually ended up with a business degree (from Slippery Rock University) and ended up thinking, ‘I’d like to be a police officer.’ Since the minute I got a taste of it, it’s all I’ve been doing. It’s all I’ve loved. Serving the community and doing the best I can for residents and individuals who visit town.”

Stuart, 30, of Cranberry, worked as a part-time patrolman in Sewickley in 2020. He left that job in 2021 to work full time as an Avalon officer. He also served part time in Avalon for about three years prior to his advancement.

He switched borough police departments once again and began serving Sewickley full time on April 1.

“We’re thrilled to have Richard on board,” Shannon said.

The mayor led Stuart on a tour around council chambers where the officer shook hands of council members and other officials in attendance.

Brian Stuart served in South Africa about 21 years before relocating the family to the United States and settling in Oakmont. Richard Stuart graduated from Riverview High School in 2011.

Brian, who still has a bit of an accent from the old country, said it was an honor to be a part of his son’s swearing in ceremony.

“It’s immensely gratifying,” he said. “It makes me incredibly proud. He has done a wonderful job.”

The importance of remaining calm, being honest, being kind and doing the best you can were among the law enforcement tips passed down from father to son.

“Don’t ever lose your temper as a policeman,” Brian Stuart said. “Not good. It’s one of the first thing we got taught. If you do lose your temper, you’ve lost the battle. You have to remain professional at all times.”

Police Chief Dave Mazza said Richard Stuart is a tremendous asset to the department. He noted Stuart’s state certifications as a firearms, Tazer and CPR instructor as well as a car seat safety technician.

“I’m thrilled to have him back, and I was sorry to see him go when that took place,” Mazza said. “He is an unbelievable asset. He brings a different dynamic to the police department. His strong skill set is with technology, and in today’s world that is going to make him a huge asset to us. He is a phenomenal investigator and has a track record to show it.”

Borough Manager Donna Kaib said the officer’s starting salary is about $77,300.

Always working

Stuart’s swearing in was delayed because he and several officers arrested a wanted man just outside the borough building about 10 minutes prior to the start of the council meeting.

Mazza said the person and another man were wanted in connection with a violent home invasion in the borough earlier this month.

Allegheny County Police identified the suspects as Dylan Morris, 30, and Noah Sadowski, 33, both of Sewickley. Both were apprehended April 9.

Mazza said he, Stuart and Matt Baroni apprehended Sadowski. Morris was apprehended sometime later at his home.

County police said the suspects were taken to Allegheny County Jail awaiting arraignment.