The Times Leader: Department promotes two of its own -... -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 10/22/2003
Last Visited: 10/22/2003
CALCUTTA - The post-Hilbert reorganization of St. Clair Township Police Department continued Tuesday with the promotions of officers Brian McKenzie and Troy Walker.
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Part-time patrolman Troy Walker was promoted to fill that position.
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Filling the full-time patrolman spot, Hyatt said his choice was, "without question," Troy Walker.
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Walker, a 1991 graduate of Salem Police Academy, also worked with the Liverpool Township police before coming to St. Clair in 1991 - the same year he began his duties as fire inspector for the City of East Liverpool.
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With his promotion to full-time patrolman, Walker will soon relinquish his fire inspector duties with the city - a decision, he says, that was exceptionally difficult.
While excited about working for the SCPD in a full-time capacity, he says he will miss his soon-to-be former full-time occupation.
"I'm walking away from a job I really loved," Walker said.
Walker was also critical of city government for what he called the "inaction of council to do anything" in regard to fixing a grim budget forecast that many say could cause sweeping layoffs.
Walker says he is working with Mayor Dolores Satow and EL Fire Chief Jerry Barcus but could offer no time frame as to when he will leave his city post.He says he does not doubt his decision to join the SCPD full-time, but hoped a decision between the two occupations would never have been necessary.
Walker's resignation will be the latest in an exodus of city employees who have cited a fear of job loss as the reason for leaving.
City Council, Walker says, had a warning of the budget fall to come and an opportunity to explore options to right the situation, but "did nothing but complain all the time."He predicts "deep" cuts for the city.
As for his new job, Walker praises the residents of the township, fellow officers and the area's growth.
"This is a great place to work," Walker said.
Trustees approved both Hyatt's recommendations, and EL Municipal Court Judge Melissa Byers-Emmerling was on hand to swear-in McKenzie and Walker.