Ceremony held to officially launch West Side Regional Police Department

WEST SIDE — Sen. Lisa Baker said on Thursday that the principle behind a regional police force is sound, practically and financially — greater coverage, protection, and accountability than what two smaller units could be expected to achieve.

Baker’s comments were delivered at the “official launch” of the new West Side Regional Police Department (WSRPD), which combines the Larksville Borough and Edwardsville police departments.

“Commendations are due to the local officials, community leaders, and law enforcement professionals who committed time and energy to this undertaking,” said Baker, R-Lehman Township.

Alec Ryncavage, R-Hanover Township, spearheaded the effort to form the WSRPD, and the ceremony celebrated the historic regionalization effort that started more than two years ago to unify the police services of the two boroughs.

Ryncavage and Baker were joined by many dignitaries, including U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township; Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce; Luzerne County Council Chairman Jimmy Sabatino; Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs and Development Rick Vilello; and Chief Joseph Coffay, the newly appointed Chief of WSRPD. ...

The former St. Anthony’s Church campus at Jackson and Pace streets will serve as the future headquarters for the department. The vacant building, located along the border of both boroughs, will be demolished and remediated as part of a broader neighborhood improvement effort.

“To see both the officers and the government leaders come together in a more efficient, joint effort is the way of the future in light of increasing costs and demands on resources,” said Sanguedolce. “The addition of Chief Coffay from Wilkes-Barre ensures the leadership needed for this new entity, and we are eager for everyone to come together to serve and protect Edwardsville and Larksville.”

The new department launched on Jan. 1, with 20 sworn officers and an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 million. WSRPD will deliver modern, cost-effective, and community-focused policing to Edwardsville and Larksville boroughs. ...

Bresnahan said the regional partnership between Edwardsville and Larksville is a new commitment to stronger, safer neighborhoods.

“The West Side Regional Police Department is an excellent collaboration by these boroughs, and I am pleased to join in celebrating the department’s activation,” he said. “Today is a great example of what can be achieved when local officials and community partners work together for the people they represent.”