Sewickley Patrolman Joins the Police Force as a Full-Time Officer

A new full-time police officer has joined the ranks of the .

voted Mondday night to hire Sewickley Patrolman James Grill before he was officially sworn in by Mayor Brian Jeffe.

Jeffe said Grill was chosen from a pool of 21 candidates, becoming the youngest full-time officer on the force. His tenure begins May 1.

As part of the hiring process, candidates had to pass a physical agility test, a written test and a face-to-face interview before council last week.

Jeffe said the response from applicants was great, adding that the borough was “very pleased with the quality of applicants.”  

“The fact that 21 people tried to get here speaks volumes,” Jeffe said.

Grill is the first full-time police officer in Sewickley to be hired in nearly five years, but he isn’t a stranger to Sewickley.

Police Chief James Ersher said Grill has been a part-time officer with the department for nearly two years.

“He’s been doing a fantastic job and we’re very happy to have him on a full-time basis,” Ersher said.

Jeffe also said he was pleased that council chose to hire a “home grown” officer.

 “We’ve seen him on duty…He handles himself extremely well.”

Council also accepted the resignation of part-time Patrolman Christopher Ferragonio.

In other business, council: 

• Approved a conditional use request for a first-floor retail and second-floor apartment at 352 Beaver St.

• Announced the annual tree planting will take place Saturday, April 28 in the borough.

• The Quaker Valley Council of Governments (COG) Recycling Day is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 5 in at the parking lots of the Aleppo Township Municipal Building and Public Works Garage, 100 NorthDrive.

• May Mart is Saturday, May 12.

• Sewickley Unleashed is Saturday, May 19.

• The 121st annual Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 28. A flag retirement ceremony with patriotic music and fireworks will take place Friday May 25.