Bethlehem Police Hold Annual Memorial Service and Award Ceremony

On May 17, 2013 the City of Bethlehem Police Department held its annual Police Memorial Service along with an Award Ceremony.  The Memorial Service is to remember the past officers who have laid down their lives as well as those officers throughout the United States that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the last year.  We also paid respect to those officers who have passed away in the past year.  This years service was held at the Bethlehem Police Department Memorial located at the North End of the Fany Bridge.

Bethlehem Police Memorial

This years memorial was attended by over 100 family and friends, including a large contingent of the Blue Knights who came out to pay their respects to the fallen and show their support to those officers on the job.

Blue Knights Procession Across the Fahy Bridge

The following link is to a synopsis of the many Letters of Commendation that were earned throughout the past year.

Congratulations to the many officers of the Bethlehem Police Department as well as the Bethlehem Fire Department, Bethlehem Emergency Medical Service Paramedics, Bethlehem E-911 Dispatchers, Pennsylvania State Police, Hellertown Police Department, Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force, and the many civilains that were recognized for their actions over the past year.

 

Again, we would like to thank the many friends and family members that not only attended the service today, but support us on a daily basis while we do our best to protect this great City of Bethlehem.

BPD Proudly Promotes Two

During the Police Memorial Ceremony on May 17, 2013 the City of Bethlehem Police Department had the privilege of promoting two of our officers, Robert Toronzi and Christopher Vasvari, to the rank of Sergeant.

Detective Robert Toronzi was promoted to the rank of Detective/Sergeant.

(L-R) Chief Schiffer, Mayor Callahan, Det/Sgt Toronzi, Deputy Chief Finnerty

Rob joined our ranks in 1996 after spending several years as a police officer with the Boynton Beach Police Department in Florida.

While with the City of Bethlehem Police Department, he has held assignments as a Patrol Officer for several years, and also performed other duties such as being a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, as well as being a member of our Department’s Emergency Response Team.

In 2004 Detective Toronzi was assigned to our Criminal Investigations Division. In addition to his regular responsibilities as a Detective, Rob is a member of the Lehigh County Computer Crimes Task Force, which is to say he is one of our go-to guys when computers, cell phones, or other technological devices need to be forensically analyzed.

Since March of this year, Rob has been working as an Acting Detective Sergeant in our Criminal Investigations Division.

Detective Christopher Vasvari was hired by our Department in February of 1996.

(L-R) Chief Schiffer, Mayor Callahan, Sgt Vasvari, Deputy Chief Finnerty

After his field training he spent the next three years working with our night shift platoon.

In 1999 Chris was assigned to or Special Operations Unit where he conducted hundreds of drug investigations and made hundreds undercover drug purchases.

In addition to his duties as a Detective with us, he was also a member of the FBI’s Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, as well as the Drug Task Forces in both Northampton and LehighCounties.

Chris has offered testimony as an expert witness in the field of drug trafficking and drug investigations.

In April, Chris was assigned as an Acting Sergeant on 3rd Plt, where he is currently assigned.

Congratulations to both!

Hit and Run Driver Sought

We are looking to identify the individual and vehicle that was involved in a hit and run crash on Center St @ Market St.  The crash occurred on 5/14/13 at 2:48 pm.  The suspect vehicle was a tan pick up truck, identified as some type of business vehicle with decals of a house with a green roof on both sides.  The operator was identified as a black or dark skinned hispanic male, approximately 5’10″.  He was wearing a tan polo shirt with the same logo as the vehicle on it.  After the crash the vehicle ended up fleeing south on Center St.  The suspect vehicle should have damage on the driver side rear quarter panel.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the City of Bethlehem Police Department Ofc Sabol at 610-865-7187, or hit and run Ofc. Hackett at  610-997-7641.

Help Identify This Individual

We are looking for help in identifying the individual in the photo above.  The male had entered the Bon Ton, 2425 Schoenersville Rd, took a black garbage bag out and filled it with approximately 50 IZOD shirts.  The individual then fled the store.  Total value of the loss is $1399.00.  Anyone who recognized the individual in the photo, please contact Ofc. Zarzecki at 610-865-7187.

BPD Takes Delivery of New Ceremonial Rifles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

The City of Bethlehem Police Department is proud to announce that we have taken delivery of 10 Springfield Armory M1 Garand Ceremonial Rifles.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY M1 GARAND

The same rifle that was used by Allied Forces to win WWII has been dusted off and cleaned up for use as a ceremonial rifle.  It has been delivered to us through the Civilian Marksmanship Program http://www.odcmp.com/ as well as the TACOM Life Cycle program through the Department of Defense.  These rifles were free of charge through this program, which is designed to place them with ceremonial units to preserve these pieces of history.

Pair Arrested Following Morning Search Warrant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA

On May 14, 2013 shortly after 0600 hours, a search warrant was served at 1135 ½ E. 3^rd  St in the City of Bethlehem.  The warrant was served by the City of Bethlehem Police Department’s Special Operations Unit along with assistance from the Department’s Emergency Response Team.  The search warrant was in regards to an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics.  A male, identified as Ramon Headley, 29 years old, as well as a female, identified as Desiree Bostic, 24 years old were taken into custody.  An amount of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and heroin as well as a firearm and drug paraphernalia were located.

Desiree Bostic

Ramon Headley

Headley is being charged with 4 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute, 1 count of Criminal Use of a Communication Facility, 1 count of Drug Paraphernalia, 1 count of Persons not to Possess a Firearm, and 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Bostic is being charged with 4 counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute, 1 count of Drug Paraphernalia, and 1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  Both were arraigned before Magisterial District Justice Nancy Matos-Gonzalez.  Bail for Bostic was $125,000 while bail for Headley was $250,000.  Both were committed to Northampton County Prison.

2013 Police Memorial Service

The Bethlehem Police Department and the Fraternal Order of Police Star Lodge #20 proudly announce the annual Memorial and Award Ceremony to be held this Friday, May 17^th, 2013 at 7 pm. The location for the event is the Bethlehem Police Memorial wall at the north end of the Fahy Bridge.  Each year, this event is held during National Police Week to honor and remember those officers who gave their lives in the performance of their duty.  We also take this opportunity to publicly recognize the many outstanding achievements of police officers, other public safety personnel serving our community, as well as citizens who stepped up and made a difference. This year’s event will also include the promotion of two Officers to the rank of Sergeant.  This event is open to anyone.  Please consider joining us as we celebrate and honor law enforcement officers from Bethlehem and beyond.

The service will begin at 7 pm with a promotion ceremony.  Detective Robert Toronzi will be promoted to Detective/Sergeant and Detective Christopher Vasvari will be promoted to Sergeant.  Immediately following the promotion will be an awards presentation recognizing officer’s exceptional performance throughout the year.  Following the promotion and awards presentation we will recognize each of the six Bethlehem police officers who lost their lives while serving our community. We also recognize officers who have retired from our department and have passed away during the past year.

Arrest Warrants Issued

Reblogged from Bethlehem Police:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Friday May 3rd Angelo Lopez turned himself in to Bethlehem Police on the warrant charging him for his involvement with the shooting on April 22, 2013.  He was arraigned and committed to Northampton County Prison on $500,000.  Dan David Hernandez remains at large.  If anyone knows his whereabouts they are asked to contact City of Bethlehem Police at 610-865-7187 or Detective Moses Miller at 610-997-7674.

Read more… 287 more words

Updated Information regarding shooting on 4/22/13

2013 International Skate Contest is Coming to Bethlehem

From our Department of Parks & Public Property

May 2, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Bethlehem Parks & Public Property will be hosting the Element “MAKE IT COUNT” Skateboard Competition on May 4, 2013 at the Bethlehem Skateplaza, 1325 Steel Avenue, Bethlehem.  Registration will take place at 12 Noon and the contest will begin at 1 p.m.  Registration Fee is at least one canned food item.  All canned food collected will be donated to New Bethany Ministries Food Bank.

Pro skateboarder Evan Smith will be one of the guest judges.  The winner of the Bethlehem contest will win a trip to the Finals at Element YMCA Skate Camp and The Berrics in California.

“MAKE IT COUNT” is a series of amateur skateboarding events held throughout the world designed to seek out new talent and promote the Element message of social awareness, environmental stewardship, and positivity. The entry fee to each event is the donation of at least one canned food item, which is then donated to a local food bank, which raises awareness of local outreach programs and encourages competitors to donate. The format of the events is a jam-style skate contest, which takes the pressure off younger competitors and allows more experienced skaters to shine.

The overall winner at each regional event is chosen by a team of judges including an Element professional. This recipient will receive an all expenses paid trip to the finals at the Element YMCA Skate Camp near Sequoia National Park, CA.  Ultimately one winner is crowned champion and receives a year’s sponsorship by Element. The group of finalists then travels to Los   Angeles, CA for a day at The Berrics, a private skatepark frequented by top professionals in skateboarding. This prize of an experience rather than a traditional cash purse leaves the participants with unforgettable memories, a taste of cultures from around the world, and a new found vision for a career in skateboarding.

This will truly be an experience of a lifetime.

THOSE ATTENDING ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARK IN THE LOT LOCATED ON E. 3RD ST BETWEEN BUCHANAN AND FILLMORE STREETS. WALKING EAST ON OUR NEARBY GREENWAY WILL BRING YOU TO THE PARK.

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Contact:  Ralph Carp, 610-865-7061

rcarp@bethlehem-pa.gov

6th National Take Back Day a Rousing Success

For Immediate Release

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

On Saturday April 27, 2013 the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office, City of Bethlehem Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Allentown Health Bureau, and other Lehigh County Police Departments took part in the 6th Annual National Take Back Day.

The day is designed to allow people to turn in expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs for destruction.  By doing so the drugs can be destroyed properly so as to not contaminate water supplies and landfills.  This years collection was a huge success.  At 17 sites throughout Lehigh County residents turned in 1557.5 lbs of drugs for safe disposal.  At the Bethlehem Site, Westgate Mall 2285 Schoenersville Rd Bethlehem Pa 18018, there were 92lbs turned in.  The last six events have brought in an amazing 4,826 lbs.

Lehigh County District Attorney Martin asked that we pass the results on to those who might not have received the final tally showing the overwhelming success of this initiative.