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Legislative Update |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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In this update
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Two Badges, One Mission: Regional Police Force Takes Shape |
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Bikers Rally for Rights in Harrisburg |
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Dental Clinic Brings Smiles to the Region |
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Upcoming Event: |
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More Ways We Can Help |
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Two Badges, One Mission: West Side Regional Police Force Takes Shape
I take great pride in having been part of a team that will bring a decades-long discussion about police regionalization to fruition for the West Side! The West Side Regional Police Commission will oversee the creation and operation of the West Side Regional Police Department. The department will launch Jan. 1, 2026, and will support the Edwardsville and Larksville boroughs.
This effort represents a landmark partnership focused on strengthening public safety, enhancing service and ensuring more efficient and cost-effective policing for both communities. These kinds of initiatives are never easy, as politics has historically been a barrier.
Hearing of all the times it couldn’t happen in the past, and to now be part of the team that’s finally getting it done is exactly what fuels me. But none of this would have been possible without the leadership displayed by both boroughs. The managers, secretaries, council members, mayors and especially the current and former officers and chiefs have stepped up and committed to something bigger than themselves.
From the beginning, we prioritized input from the men and women in uniform. Officers from both departments were included at every step and we had active participation from both Edwardsville and Larksville officers at each monthly meeting.
The regionalization process began in March 2023, when the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Center for Local Government Services completed a 90-page study analyzing both departments' budgets, staffing models, coverage areas and operational challenges. I joined DCED to present the findings with borough officials and local police officers. DCED not only funded the study but also assigned a peer police consultant to provide expert guidance to the commission, Chief David Mettin.
Chief Mettin currently serves as the chief of police for Plumstead Township in Bucks County and has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career in Doylestown Township before serving as chief of police in Pennridge Regional and later Slate Belt Regional police departments. At Slate Belt, he led the consolidation of three municipal police departments into a single regional entity. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Temple University, a master’s degree in public safety administration from St. Joseph’s University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (203rd session). Mettin is also an adjunct instructor at Bucks County Community College and has served as president of the Bucks County Chiefs of Police Association and Southeast Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
From the study, a steering committee was formed, which then drafted the West Side Regional Police Charter, formally establishing the department and the commission. The charter took effect on Jan. 9, 2025, and was adopted by both borough councils through formal resolutions.
The West Side Regional Police Commission consists of five voting members and includes:
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Chairman John Soprano, former Edwardsville police officer and current regional director of the narcotics bureau at the attorney general’s Wilkes-Barre Office. |
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Vice Chairman Mike Lehman, Larksville Borough Council president and full-time Edwardsville police officer. |
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Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Campbell, Edwardsville Borough Council member. |
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Commission Member Lauren Austra, Larksville Borough Council member. |
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Commission Member Dave Stochla, Edwardsville Borough Council president. |
Per the charter, each borough nominates two elected officials, while the fifth member is an independent appointee. A coin toss determined that Edwardsville would select the independent member for the first one-year term; the position will alternate thereafter.
We have an incredibly strong team that brings firsthand knowledge of policing, local government and the needs of our neighbors. This wasn’t about politics; it was about getting the right people at the table. While the department is beginning with Edwardsville and Larksville, once operational in January 2026, the West Side Regional Police Department will be open to neighboring communities interested in joining this shared service model.
The commission has begun accepting applications for a chief of police who will be responsible for developing departmental policies, overseeing personnel, designing insignias and uniforms, and setting the tone for the new department.
The commission is deeply committed to maintaining local identity and responsiveness. The new chief will help shape a department that feels local, looks local and serves local.
The months ahead will include finalizing a location for the headquarters, securing insurance, identifying grant opportunities and continuing outreach to residents. The regional department is expected to offer greater career growth opportunities for officers and improve the overall level of service.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless commitment of our borough managers, secretaries, council members, mayors and especially the current and former officers and chiefs. Each of them chose to rise above individual interests and work toward something larger.
It was strategic to begin with these two towns. We kept the group small to minimize politics and maximize progress. Edwardsville and Larksville were perfect candidates. They already serve the same region and were competing for the same officers. This model allows us to share costs, lighten the burden on local budgets and provide a higher standard of policing. I can’t wait to see where this goes!
To read more about the regional force, visit https://www.timesleader.com/news/1701563/rep-ryncavage-west-side-regional-police-commission-first-step-toward-unified-departments.
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Bikers Rally for Rights in Harrisburg
Annual Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E. of PA) Rights Rally at the Capitol. I joined in raising awareness for motorcyclists’ rights and freedom to choose your transportation.
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Dental Clinic Brings Smiles to the Region
Last week, my office had the privilege of touring a free dental clinic for the Mom-N-PA Dental Missions’ Dentistry With A Heart event at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. The free clinic provided dental treatment at no cost to people who either do not have access to dental care or could not afford it. I’d like to thank the many volunteers and supporters who brought this event to our region.
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Upcoming Event:
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Shredding and electronics recycling, Saturday, Aug. 9, Crestwood High School, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, 18707. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
The shredding event is available at no cost and gives individuals the opportunity to securely dispose of sensitive information. There is a limit of three boxes per car.
The electronics recycling program will be handled by a third-party recycling company out of Berwick. It helps to prevent difficult-to-dispose of electronics from being illegally dumped. The electronics recycling event allows for free disposal of items such as computers (laptops and desktop), smartphones, tablets, printers, office phones, video game consoles, modems, routers, cameras, DVD players, VCRs, audio/video equipment, wires and chargers, hard drives, memory cards, power tools, and appliances.
Other items, such as LCD monitors, televisions and floor copiers, can be disposed of for a nominal fee to the recycling company.
Please contact my offices in Nanticoke, 570-902-4082, or Mountain Top, 570-403-2371, with questions about the electronics recycling program.
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More Ways We Can Help
Residents and businesses can take advantage of a range of free services provided by my office.
Notary Public:
Our office offers notary services except title work. Anyone interested in this free service must have a valid, current photo identification available. Please call the office to schedule your appointment.
Veterans’ Services:
Each month, veterans can schedule appointments with representatives from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion for help with government benefits.
Disability-Related Services:
Individuals with disabilities can schedule appointments with the Northeast PA Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) to receive assistance with home and community-based services, transportation, housing and more .
Small Business Assistance:
Wilkes University Small Business and Development Center offers confidential consultation on a one-on-one basis for owners of small businesses.
SEPTA:
My office can assist residents who wish to obtain or renew SEPTA Senior Fare cards.
Free Fishing Tackle Loan Program:
My office is a loaner site for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program.
For more information about these free services or to share ideas on how we can improve our offerings, please contact my office at 570-902-4082.
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