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I have been very fortunate to serve as your chief of police during the past eight years, during which time the South Fayette Township Police Department has grown by leap and bounds.

We have hired 11 new officers since 2014, bringing the total number of officers to 23—a direct result of our elected Board of Commissioners recognizing the need to enhance public safety to serve our increasing population and business community.

By expanding the police to numbers that reflect the growth of South Fayette, the department has been able to create specialized assignments for officers to better protect and serve our residents.

With growth comes an increase in traffic, so we recently assigned two full-time officers to enforce traffic laws in areas deemed to be problematic. This unit’s visibility will help keep motorists safer on township roadways.

Another specialized unit is investigations. Two full-time officers serve as investigators, following up on incidents and helping solve crimes.

An officer is assigned to serve as the School Resource Officer in the South Fayette School District during each school year, while our bloodhound, Ellie Faye, always is on call and ready to assist with searches and attend community events.

Four squads of four officers patrol neighborhoods 24 hours, 7 seven days a week and handle calls for service. In addition, officers within each squad are trained in numerous specialized areas. Just two of the many examples are bike patrol and Project Lifesaver, which tracks participating people who may become lost due to a cognitive condition.

These specialized assignments show how committed our officers are to protecting and serving our township.

As a 32-year resident of South Fayette, I am truly proud of how far we have come as a police department and as a community.

Professionally,

John R. Phoennik
Chief of Police
South Fayette Township

Dog owners and their furry friends are jumping for joy that our Bark Park is open at Fairview Park.

The wooded, fenced off-leash dog park is the latest feature that South Fayette Township has added to our parks for the public to enjoy. You can find details in the summer issue of South Fayette Connect.

The township values the positive impact of parks and recreation. We have prioritized investment in athletic fields and park amenities to encourage active, healthy lifestyles for children and adults.

Our Bark Park, fields, courts, playgrounds, pavilions and other outdoor public spaces serve as opportunities for friends to gather, families to celebrate and community spirit to blossom. South Fayette Township Parks and Recreation is offering an all-star lineup of community events, camps and programs this season to help you enjoy the outdoors.

For starters, a free movie at Fairview Park will be screened one Friday night each month. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy a family movie under the stars.

Enjoy our annual Fourth of July fireworks from Fairview Park, neighboring Boyce Mayview Park or your favorite community viewing location.

Touch-a-Truck on Sun. July 16 at Fairview Park features the world’s only fan-built replica of Optimus Prime, a truck from the Transformers franchise.

South Fayette Community Day on Sat. Aug. 26 at Fairview Park provides a day of outdoor fun for everyone, just as kids are returning to school. And in October, check out the Evelsizer 5K Run and Walk.

The township also is offering a creative array of camps and recreation programs for all ages (p. 35). Plus, Summer Playground Camp for kids ages 5 to 12 is held every weekday through Aug. 11 in our parks.

I hope everyone finds time this summer to put down the remote control and enjoy the outdoors, including the wonderful parks and public spaces in South Fayette Township.