HARRISBURG, Pa. — It was a day of mixed emotions on Thursday, as the Harrisburg Bureau of Police welcomed two new officers, and said goodbye to several others.
Officers Zachary Donmoyer and Solomon Myers were sworn in by Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams and Commissioner Tom Carter during a ceremony at the Whitaker Center.
The two will begin their six-month police academy training at Harrisburg Area Community College next week.
"I know that each young man or woman who raises their hand to protect the City of Harrisburg, our city becomes just a little bit safer," said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams.
The addition of Officers Donmoyer and Myers brings the current total of sworn, uniformed officers in the city's department to 136.
The City of Harrisburg hopes to reach 162 officers by the end of the year, which includes vacancies for 14 additional police cadets, two sergeants, one corporal, one lieutenant, a forensic investigator, a detective, and a new Deputy Police Chief.
But finding those new officers is becoming harder and harder for departments nationwide.
Commissioner Carter says it’s a problem that goes beyond their badge.
“You have nurses that are struggling, military struggling," he said. "Just for some reason, it’s a bad time. People don’t want to serve.”
Mayor Williams says it’s an even bigger challenge getting officers who are from the Capital City.
“It’s important because they know the people. they know the community. they’ve lived here all their lives," she said. "So, they have a good rapport with them and that’s important to know your community.”
It’s forced departments like Harrisburg’s to think outside the box when it comes to recruiting.
“We’re going to the military bases, we’re going to colleges, we’re going to neighborhoods, gyms, every place we can go, churches, to try to get people to join the agency," said Commissioner Carter.
Pennsylvania State Police have lowered education and physical fitness requirements in an effort to attract more applicants.
At the local level, it’s a similar story.
“The MOPEC agency, which is our government agency, they have already lowered the standards to get into academy training," said Commissioner Carter. "But as far as the academics and what-have-you, we can’t lower the standards there.”
Commissioner Carter didn't mince words Thursday about the challenges of a job he says is many times 24/7.
“It’s a very stressful job. It’s a very trying job," he explained. "It makes you older than you want to be. You’re always up. You’re always going to court and it tends to drive a wedge between you and family.”
But he also says there’s a lot that makes it a rewarding job.
“It’s very educational. It’s very fruitful," said Commissioner Carter. "You can retire in 20 years and you’re still relatively young. But this occupation opens up other doors for you.”
At Thursday's ceremony, the department also honored six officers for their retirement, including Deputy Chief Dennis Sorenson. They also gave posthumous honor to their K9, Zoe
Deputy Chief Sorensen was honored for his 32 years of service with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. He is set to retire on January 10.
"One of the reasons my words fall short today is because there is no other Dennis Sorensen," said Commissioner Carter. "The City of Harrisburg and its citizens will sorely miss him." Harrisburg Police also include a budgeted 28 non-uniformed civilian workers, with three vacancies among those employees.
In addition, five officers were promoted to higher ranks. They are, in order of rank:
• Sgt. Antwyn Chatman
• Cpr. Andrew Cortelazzi
• Cpr. Anthony Cummings
• Cpr. Farida Kingsboro
• Cpr. Chad McGowan
"As police officers when you go through training, you are taught to treat people fair and impartial. Unfortunately, right now in this country, that is a hard thing to do, but Harrisburg Police do it well, and that makes me proud," Commissioner Carter said. "We cannot stop every crime or every homicide, but our officers do an exceptional job, and last year was one of our lowest homicide rates."
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