Published: February 26, 2009 11:40 pm      

Officer ready to return to his beat in Boswell

BOSWELL — Donald Lepley says he plans to resume his duties as Boswell’s lone police officer by the end of the month.

Lepley left the department in September 2007 after a scheduling conflict with a full-time job he had at the time. Council rehired him at its Feb. 16 meeting.

“I plan on doing the same job I did for five years,” Lepley said.

“I was born and raised in Boswell, and I always felt it was a nice town.”

Lepley is expected to work about 25 hours a week and will make $10 an hour after a 90-day probation period, said Councilman Herbert Jay Volk, who supports Lepley’s return.

“His situation now allows him to give us more hours,” Volk said.

“We’re glad to have him back.”

State police will respond to calls when Lepley is not on duty.

Council is hoping Lepley’s return will end the revolving door of police officers.

Four officers have quit in the past 18 months.

“We had to go through the interviewing process, train them and suit them up,” Councilwoman Teresa Ann Matsko said.

“We’re glad we don’t have to go through that again.”

Lepley said he will work with the Community Crime Watch, which was formed about eight months ago. The group pointed out problems in the borough including drugs, vandalism, speeding cars and ATVs.

“ATVs are one of the main problems,” Lepley said. “I’m definitely going to stop them on the roads and alleys.”