Berks-Lehigh Police Officers Receive Service Awards

Chief Michael Weiser bestowed outstanding service awards to four members of the department during an April 18 Berks-Lehigh Police Commissioners meeting in Upper Macungie Township.

Three officers and one employee were cited and receives plaques recognizing their outstanding work. They are:

-- K-9 officer Matt Gardner and his police dog Hassan. Weiser noted that Gardner has taken much time to take care of ad train the canine since 2006. Weiser noted the pair was instrumental in taking down suspects in a Feburary pursuit that assisted South Whitehall police and uncovered a $40,000 car parts "chop shop."

-- Field Training Officer Darren Simmers was recognized for his work throughout the department, from helping manage vehicle maintenance to his work with department's cyber-safety unit. Weiser said Simmers has been an instrumental part of the department's cyber-safety crime investigation efforts.

-- Administrative employee Keri Diehl was presented with an outstanding service award for her dedication of time and effort into the department's daily operations.

-- Criminal Investigative Officer Justin Morrow was scheduled to receive an award April 18, but could not be present at the ceremony.

The Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department, which serves Upper Macungie Township, was created in Jan. 2001 with 12 officers and boasts 30 officers some 10 years later. Weiser said it is the only regional police department in Pennsylvania that serves communities in two counties.

"These are just a few of our 30 officers and it's amazing what these guys do day in and day out," Weiser said.