Exeter police officers receive commendations
Officers Eveland and Wertz are lauded for specific actions aiding the community
The Exeter Board of Supervisors (BOS) began their Monday, February 10th meeting with a ceremony to honor two Exeter police officers, Brian Eveland and Josh Wertz. Both were singled out for meritorious service to the community.
Police Chief Matt Harley had Sgt. Rocco DiCamillo do the honors, awarding Wertz for “his unwavering dedication and exceptional service” to the community. Wertz was lauded for his vehicle stop for multiple vehicle code violations on January 8th, which led to a consent to search the vehicle, which led to finding and seizing 8 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, street value of approximately $200,000. The two year member of the Exeter PD showed, in Harley’s written commendation, “initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon himself, the Exeter Township PD, and the community that he serves.”
Eveland was presented the Honorable Service Award for his actions on November 25th, 2023. According to Harley’s written commendation, “The Exeter Township Police Department (ETPD) proudly presents the honorable service award to Patrolman Brian Eveland in recognition of his unwavering dedication and exceptional service in the line of duty. On November 25th, 2023 Patrolman Eveland was working a “Click It or Ticket” overtime detail when he heard patrol officers dispatched to an Exeter township residence for a mlel in distress who was threatening suicide. Officers responded and secured the scene and made contact with the male in crisis. Patrolman Eveland was requested to respond due to his training as a crisis negotiator. He responded to the scene and immediately established a rapport with the subject, and after 15 minutes of the communication, the subject agreed to go to the hospital for treatment. Patrolman Eveland’s compassion, communication and professionalism developed trust with the male in crisis and resulted in a successful outcome for this incident.”
The commendations show great dedication by both ends of the seniority spectrum of the ETPD. Eveland is a thirty year veteran of the department, and Wertz has served for two years.
The BOS took a vote to approve the turning over of Happy Landings to the Exeter Township School District. The turnover will require the township to undertake some maintenance in the turnover, including removal of a bathroom building, a concrete slab foundation of a former pavilion, and what was termed “gym equipment”, as well as lights in a parking lot and basketball court. Solicitor Chad Schnee noted that this was all part of the lease agreement that is in place. The maintenance is a budgeted item.
In Parks and Rec, approval was given for a DCNR grant for an All Abilities park at Trout Run.
Approval was also given for a new fuel management system for Public Works and purchase of 2,500 new recycling containers.
The next BOS meeting will be on February 24th, at 7 PM in the township building.
