FOX56 continues to highlight the men and women who go above and beyond within our communities with our monthly series "Salute to First Responders."
You won't only see our state police out on the road protecting and serving or sometimes uncovering clues at a crime scene. They're also out serving the community every day.
Keeping people in Northeastern P-A safe and impacting their lives in a positive way is top priority.
Many State Troopers have been in their careers for decades and love helping their neighbors.
Trooper Anthony Petroski has been enforcing laws and engaging with communities within Troop N for 16 years.
He told FOX56 ways he stays connected.
“To go out to the meetings, to talk to community members, to go into schools and do presentations, talk to kids about bully, cyberbullying, internet safety those kinds of things. Go out into community events and be seen and with the community.”
“So, in my position I’m thankful that everyday I can be the Liaison for our community and for our Troop, and be there to talk to them to answer their questions, and basically be the voice of Troop N to the community members,” said Trooper Petroski.
Pennsylvania State Police also have a Camp Cadet Program which gives them a chance to engage with young adults interested in a possible career in law enforcement.
Jere Ustonofski, Lieutenant at Troop N tells FOX56 back in 1991 he signed up for the Camp Cadet Program at Troop N.
“It’s just great to see that tradition continued and it’s great to oversee, the people that make that happen every year,” said Jere Ustonofski, Lieutenant at Troop N.
Trooper William Evans at Troop P says it’s important to build outside relationships.
“It’s nice to do something different and get out. When most people have interactions with Police sometimes it’s negative. So if we can go out in front of things, do positive things, get involved it goes a long way,” said Trooper William Evans.
These state police and troopers go beyond the uniform, going out into the community in positive ways. Proving that they will be there for people not just when bad incidents happen.
If you know a first responder who should be highlighted let us know my messaging us on our FOX56 Facebook page.