PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency Presents Governor's Awards for Outstanding Citizen Crime Prevention Efforts

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency recognized 11 individuals this week for their leadership in crime prevention and community safety initiatives.

"These volunteers are being honored for their accomplishments as well as their willingness to work with local law enforcement to make their neighborhoods safer places to live," said PCCD Commissioner Mark Zimmer. "Whether the recipient is a high school junior or a 90-year-old senior, they share a common goal of improving public safety. The contributions they made are priceless."

Recipients of the Governor's Crime Prevention Award include an 11th grade student recognized for her work with children and the elderly, and a 90-year-old woman for her lifelong contributions to her community.

The Governor's Crime Prevention Award program recognizes Pennsylvanians who demonstrate outstanding dedication to preventing crime in the communities and who support law enforcement's efforts to protect the public. Nominations for citizen awards are made by local law enforcement officers.  The 2012 recipients are:

• Dennis Downey, Pittsburgh, for his long-time commitment to the Steel City's Crime Watch Program. Downey recently assumed the leadership role in Zone 4's public safety council.
• Marlene Emro, Pittsburgh, recognized for her work in the Lincoln Place Neighborhood area of the city. Emro has been actively involved with the Pittsburgh Crime Watch coalition for more than six years.
• Edwin Hamilton, Gettysburg, for logging more than 3,500 hours of volunteer service in the Park Watch Patrol at Gettysburg National Military Park. Known for exceeding expectations and duties, Hamilton also cleans up litter in the park.
• Sue Hoffman, Elkins Park, for her leadership role in the Town Watch program and for helping to establish the Block Watch program. Hoffman was also involved in a public service campaign about car theft and has spent countless hours volunteering for the Police Athletic League. Serving as one of Abington's Community Service Officers, Hoffman is a dedicated fundraiser.
• Mary Hupe, Pittsburgh, for her longstanding involvement and dedication to Pittsburgh Crime Watch and for her "National Night Out" initiatives.
• Jack Kifer, Harrisburg, a member of Volunteers in Police Services, assists the local police department with a variety of services, including patrolling township parks and participating in community events.
• Jet Lafean, Pittsburgh, recognized for his work on numerous graffiti investigations and for his involvement with the Pittsburgh Crime Watch.
• Judith Lieberman, Emmaus, for her leadership in forming Lehigh TRIAD (Target Right Information, Agencies and Departments). TRIAD puts senior citizens in touch with community resources and offers free safety presentations. Lieberman was also recognized for her work with Operation Lifesaver, which helps individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
• Mia Rigatti, Bethel Park, an 11th grade student who has helped to raise almost $2,000 for the Bethel Park Police Pals Food Drive as well as money for scholarships for future law enforcement professionals. Rigatti educates senior citizens on crime prevention practices and works with children as they are entered into the Child Identification Program.
• Winona Smith, York, for 23 years service to crime prevention efforts, as well as her work resolving trash collection issues, vacant properties and criminal activity. Smith is 90 years old.

A special award was given to a law enforcement officer for his extraordinary commitment to improving community safety. Officer Peter Montgomery of the York Area Regional Police Department, York County, received the Crime Prevention Officer of the Year Award.

The awards were presented July 10 during the PA Chiefs of Police Association's Annual Education and Training Conference in Camp Hill, Cumberland County.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's mission is to enhance the quality and coordination of criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our communities.  For more information, visit www.pccd.state.pa.us or call 717-705-0888.

Media contact: Melanie Horvath, 717-265-8470

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency