Pocono Mountain Regional Police swear in five new police officers

Pocono Mountain Regional Police had five new police officers sworn into duty during the November Police Commission meeting.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police swore five new police officers into duty during the November Police Commission meeting.

In addition to the new hires, two officers were recently honored for their work in the department, according to Chief Harry Lewis. Lt. William Laverty and Officer Gary Gaus of the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department were presented with an Act of Valor Award last month during a Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner held at The Chateau Resort and Conference Center, presented by Tri-State Troopers Fund Inc., Monroe County Crime Stoppers Association and the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce.

The act honored was for handling of an armed standoff that occurred in Tobyhanna Township with Michael Schaffer.

PMRPD officers were initially dispatched for a mental health commitment at the residence. When officers arrived, Schaffer began shooting at officers.

Gaus and Laverty, veteran SWAT officers, were able to help maintain a perimeter. They were just 15 feet from Schaffer when he began firing at them. Officers returned fire and hit Schaffer, who later died at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Laverty’s and Gaus’ acts helped to resolve the situation with minimal loss of life and no injuries to any of the police officers.

On Nov. 10, Angella M. Tullo, Treasurer of the Tri-State Troopers Fund Inc., presented Gaus with a plaque for an Act of Valor Award for the same incident at the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission meeting as he was unable to attend the Tri-State Troopers Fund Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner where Laverty received his award.

By Beth Brelje

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