Please visit the link below for information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration relating to car seats and booster seats. 

https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImtyKzoq59gIVFYvICh3fyQgPEAAYASAAEgKTk_D_BwE#installation-help-instructions 

On 12/21/2021, Chief Howard Burton officially retired from the Penn Hills Police Department. Chief Burton served the Penn Hills community with honor and integrity for 52 years. We would like to take a moment to recognize Chief Burton’s accomplishments and dedication to the community. 

Chief Burton began his career with the PHPD in 1969 when he was hired as patrol officer. It was obvious early in Chief Burton’s career he was going to be a valued asset to the department. After spending several years as a patrol officer, Chief Burton was promoted to the position of Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division.  Chief Burton spent years investigating violent crime and narcotics complaints. Chief Burton always put victims and the community first. 

After working as a Detective, Chief Burton was promoted to Patrol Sergeant where he supervised patrol officers in the field. Chief Burton was then promoted to Lieutenant where he was the administrator of both the Patrol and Investigative Divisions. Chief Burton spent several years in these positions overseeing departmental operations. Chief Burton honed his leadership skills during this time which prepared him for his next step as Chief of Police. 

Chief Burton took over command of the department as the OIC from 1995-1999. In 1999, Chief Burton was officially promoted to Chief of Police. The roll he would hold for the next 22 years before his retirement in December of 2021.

Chief Burton was one of the most well respected and well known Law Enforcement Officers in Western Pennsylvania. Chief Burton earned the respect of every officer that served with him. Chief Burton was a true leader in every sense of the word and led by example. Chief Burton’s experience and knowledge will be missed by the entire PHPD. From all of us at the PHPD, enjoy your retirement Chief! 

On Saturday, March 25, 1972, Sergeant William Schrott and Officer Bartley Connolly Jr. were killed in the line of duty while serving with the Penn Hills Police Department.  They were the first Penn Hills police officers to lose their lives in service to our community.

We will always remember Sergeant Schrott and Officer Connolly for making the ultimate sacrifice serving the residents of Penn Hills.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their families on this 49th anniversary of their passing.

Today we take a moment to reflect on the passing of Penn Hills police Canine Joker, who loyally served our community until his death in the line of duty.  

Joker was three years old when his police service was cut short, only working for one year with his handler, Officer Paul Schawalder. 

Joker’s memory will forever remain in our hearts.  He was a faithful and loyal four-legged servant who loved coming to work to take a bite out of crime!

Officer Down Memorial Page – Joker

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of Michael Crawshaw’s untimely death in the line of duty, while serving the citizens of Penn Hills. As we reflect on Michael’s passing, we remember a young man who devoted his life to service, without contemplating or worrying about the risks he took daily to protect others, including his colleagues.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family and friends. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his fellow officers with the Penn Hills and University of Pittsburgh police departments. Thank you for your service, Michael.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

The Penn Hills Police Department is hosting its fourth annual Tips for Cops fundraiser at Mohan’s Bar & Restaurant on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.  The event will benefit local community food banks.  Off-duty police officers will serve as waiters and waitresses.  The event will start at 5:00 PM and last until 9:00 PM. 

All of the tips earned by the officers are donated to the food banks.  Also, 10% of all food sales during the event, money raised by Chinese auctions, and half of the money received from 50/50 raffles will also be donated.

We encourage you to come out and and join us for an evening of fun, as we serve you…..in a different kind of way!

PS – If you own a local business and are interested in supporting this event, we are accepting donations that can be used for the Chinese auction.  Items may include gift cards and gift baskets.  Your company name will appear on the donated items.  To donate an item, please contact Officer Lindsey Bigger by email at lbigger@pennhills.org.

Sunday, December 6, 2009.  What began as a quiet day in Penn Hills suddenly became everyone’s worst nightmare and would forever alter the lives of many.  

For a group of Penn Hills police officers, the image of a friend and colleague slain in his police car will never disappear.  Phone calls to those not working, reporting the unthinkable, became a reality.  For most police officers, it’s something you only hear about.  All police officers understand the dangers of the profession, but most believe they won’t make the ultimate sacrifice – that the tragedy won’t strike so close to home.  Unfortunately, it did.

For two loving parents, a brother, many close friends and extended family members, it was news nobody could dream of receiving.  The kind that makes your heart sink into the pit of your stomach, after being torn apart.  A son that would not be returning home.  A brother that would no longer share work stories with his sibling, both of whom chose the same calling.  A great friend never again there to watch the game, attend a concert, or just share a drink with at the end of a long week.

For a community, it was an act of violence shattering a sense of decency existing within many American towns.  It left many angered and sad.  Citizens offered their condolences and support to officers they didn’t necessarily know, left piles of flowers in a quiet police department lobby, and messages of hope and comfort adorned roadside signs throughout Penn Hills.

Ten years ago, Michael Crawshaw’s life was cut short while doing something that meant so much to him, being a police officer and proudly serving others with honor and integrity.  Today, his legacy lives on.  

Although a decade has passed since that fateful day, the heartache and grieving reminds us of what a special person Officer Crawshaw was, and the effect he had on those who knew him, and even those who didn’t.   

Michael, we will never forget the decision you made to respond, without hesitation, toward looming danger, knowing you would likely arrive before your back-up did.  It’s a true sign of courage and bravery – both qualities defining heroism.  On that day, we will forever remember you as a hero.  That can never be taken away.    

Recently, the Municipality of Penn Hills partnered with Savvy Citizen™, a Pittsburgh-based notification program that allows localities to send out important messages to their communities.  Citizens can participate for free to receive these messages. 

A free mobile app can be downloaded by visiting Google Play (Android users) or the App Store (IOS users).   You can register for your free Savvy Citizen™ account by using the mobile app, or through the company’s online registration page.    

Upon registering for an account, select which communities you would like to receive notifications from.  When information is posted, you will receive the notification immediately.