Two participating municipalities of a newly formed regional police force have received the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence.

The Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department, chartered on Oct. 12, 2022, was honored with the award in the Intergovernmental Cooperation category.

Freeport Borough and Gilpin Township were nominated for the award and selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence recognize local officials for their successes in undertaking innovative initiatives to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Ford City joined the SARPD on Jan. 1, 2023.

Since its creation, the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department has provided 24/7 patrol coverage to all three municipalities, resulting in saving thousands of dollars of taxpayers money.

Police Chief Christopher Fabec and Gilpin Chairman Charles Stull were presented the award during a ceremony held Wednesday at the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg.

“I’m honored to be receiving this award on behalf of the entire SARPD Commission and its charter municipalities,” Stull said. “Without the initial cooperation and hard work of the representatives from Freeport Borough and Gilpin Township and their entire boards, it wouldn’t be possible for us to provide our exceptional services to our nearly 7,000 residents of our participating municipalities.”

State Sen. Joe Pittman, whose district includes the affected municipalities, presented the awards.

Chief Fabec said Wednesday he was honored to receive the award.

“Without the hard work and dedication from the members of our charter municipalities and the continued hard work of all participating municipalities, we wouldn’t be able to serve our residents to the best of our abilities,” Fabec said. “I’m honored to be able to serve the people of Gilpin, Freeport and Ford City everyday.”

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