Allegheny Valley Regional Police, Frazer in talks for possible merger

The Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department could have a fourth member if talks between its board and Frazer officials work out.

Frazer Secretary/Treasurer Lori Ziencik said her township was approached by the police commission, which serves East Deer, Cheswick and Springdale Township, to consider joining the regional department.

“We have met with them over the past year,” Ziencik said. “They invited us to join after our police chief passed away. The board hasn’t made a decision one way or another.

“It’s something we’ll take a look at come budget time. It’s never been out of the question.”

Dan Carroll, Cheswick mayor and vice chairman of the police commission, said the discussions are for “information gathering” and no decision has been made.

“We’re putting our toe in the water and seeing what other people are thinking about it,” Carroll said.

The regional commission reached out to Frazer to see where its officials stand regarding regionalization, Carroll said. He cited prior instances when Frazer sought to regionalize with other communities.

Rick Stoneburner, chairman of the police commission, said there were discussions between Cheswick and Frazer officials about whether Frazer had an interest in joining the regional force.

“We just wanted to let them know we’re open to discussions of a possible merger,” Stoneburner said.

He is waiting to see whether there will be discussions with Frazer.

“We have always had a good relationship with Frazer, and I think they would be a very good fit,” he said.

Other members on the board either couldn’t be reached or didn’t return calls for comment Wednesday.

Ziencik said her board is “always willing to listen” and “always has been open to regionalizing.”

Past discussion fizzled

About 15 years ago, an effort to combine East Deer and Frazer with Tarentum for police services fell flat, she said. Frazer then created its own police force in 2008. Tarentum officers covered Frazer from 2005 to 2008.

“Merging is nothing new,” Ziencik said. “It makes sense, financially, in most cases. All communities are struggling to find full-time officers. That usually drives it.”

Ziencik said Frazer will have much to consider before diving into a merger.

The township currently has a stable police force, she said, which includes Officer-in-Charge Aaron Scott, five full-time officers and one part-timer.

The board also must look at finances for a possible merger, staffing and calls for service — especially with Frazer having the Pittsburgh Mills shopping complex in the township. She estimated Frazer’s call volume probably would be higher than the other three municipalities.

In addition, unlike Springdale Township, East Deer and Cheswick, which Ziencik said are largely built-out, Frazer has room for potential growth and development.

“These are major decisions,” Ziencik said. “We’re taking our time and thinking things through.”