The Shaler Township Police Department has two new lieutenants after the promotion of two members of the force.
David Benko and Sean Frank were promoted from police detective and sergeant, respectively, to lieutenant during the township commissioners' Aug. 12 meeting.
“Having served in the police department myself, I worked with Dave and Sean … they are always dedicated and very professional in their duties … and certainly will continue in their future,” Commissioner Edward Duss said.
Applicants for the lieutenant position were required to pass a written exam and then an oral exam in front of a panel of three police chiefs. The scores of both tests were combined, and Benko and Frank had the top scores.
“I think it will be an asset to the department,” Shaler police Chief Bryan Kelly said about the addition of two lieutenants. “They worked very hard to make it possible to be in that position.”
Benko joined the department in December 1978 and has served as detective in the investigations unit since 1985. Before joining the Shaler police, Benko served for three years as a military police officer in the Army.
Benko said that after taking the written exam and applying for the lieutenant position within Shaler's police department in the past, he is proud be have obtained the promotion.
“Persistence pays off,” Benko said. “I'm pleased because it's personal pride that made me do it. I'm proud of what I've done here, and this is the icing on the cake for me.”
Benko lives in Shaler with his wife, Karen. He has two stepchildren and four grandsons.
Frank joined the department February 1992 and was promoted to sergeant in 2009. He became the township's deputy emergency-management coordinator in 1994 and has served as the coordinator since 2012.
Frank said he has been humbled by the promotion and support he has received in the process to achieve lieutenant.
“I am very thankful for the support that I receive at home from my wife, Anita; my three daughters and my entire family,” said Frank, of Shaler. “I look forward to continue serving the township of Shaler and working with our police officers and township Staff in my new position.”
Bethany Hofstetter is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-772-6364 or bhofstetter@tribweb.com.
