Crime & Safety
Emmaus Police Re-accredited By State
Borough force was 37th in Pennsylvania to certify in 2006 and has retained the excellence standard ever since.
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but the badges that Emmaus police are wearing these days seem a little brighter since July 11.
That's because the was re-accredited on that date for another three years by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The Commission is charged with better ensuring excellence in police work.
"We are extremely pleased that the Emmaus Police Department continues to be recognized as an accredited law enforcement agency and is reflected among the most elite group of all law enforcement agencies thoughout the Commonwealth," said borough Chief David Faust during the meeting of the Commission. "I am extremely humbled and proud of the men and women of the Emmaus Police Department."
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In 2006, Emmaus' department was the 37th in the commonwealth to be accredited. It was re-accredited in 2009, and now again in 2012.
Sgt. Karl D. Geschwindt was credited with leading the department through the re-accreditation rigors.
Find out what's happening in Emmauswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Faust, Geschwindt and Borough Council President Lee Ann Gilbert appeared before the Commission in Harrisburg and received glowing praise.
"You have the right to be very proud of your agency," said Project Coordinator Joseph C. Blackburn. "Only a small percentage of law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania are able to say that they have completed this vigorous program. Your work in this program demonstrates the type of leadership that we strive for in law enforcement in Pennsylvania."
Team leader and assessor Thomas E. Rudzinski of the Manheim Township Police Department was similarly impressed.
"The Emmaus Police Department sets an example that should be emulated by other law enforcement agencies," he wrote in his assessment to the Commission. "Their organizational philosophies and practices show their continuing commitment to providing superior quality service to the community and the department. They demonstrated that the department is well disciplined, well trained, well organized, and well directed."
Faust also commented during the meeting of the Commission that police work in Emmaus is a team effort.
"We will persist in our effort to offer exceptional law enforcement services to the Emmaus Community," he said.