O'Hara police chiefs retiring
O'HARA -- In his first couple months with the O'Hara Police Department, Ray Schafer helped an expectant Indiana Township woman deliver an early arrival while en route to the hospital.
He couldn't have known that his labor of love was the beginning of a ride that ultimately would last 47 years and transform him into a community institution.
"It has always been something different every day," said Schafer, who joined the force part time in 1957 and then full time in 1964. "That's what I've always liked about it."
Schafer, 69, was appointed chief in 1973. He announced his retirement recently, marking the end of an era for the department which has grown from six to 14 officers during his tenure. Schafer plans to work until January.
"To do what I like and get paid, the good Lord's been good to me," said Schafer, a resident of Montrose Hill. "There's a little clock inside me though that said it's enough."
Schafer said he will recommend to council that his longtime protege, Jim Hicks, be hired to replace him. Hicks has served on the force for 32 years.
Township Manager Doug Arndt said council has not yet received any applications for the job. They plan to advertise the position next month.
An alumnus of St. Scholastica Elementary School in Aspinwall and a 1953 graduate of North Catholic High School, Schafer's zest for the job has catapulted him to the top of his field. He was invited in 1977 to the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and won the state's Top Juvenile Officer award in 1979.
Schafer was named Officer of the Year by the Sharpsburg VFW in 1998, and twice selected for the Law Enforcement Award by the Variety Club of Pittsburgh.
"My dad was the captain of the guards at the old county workhouse along the river (in O'Hara)," Schafer said. "It kind of rubs off on you. I always wanted to be a cop."
Schafer is a firm believer that police should serve the residents of their community with innovation and passion. His was the first local department whose vehicles were equipped with video cameras. He also was the first police chief to mandate training for his officers as emergency medical technicians. Schafer's first role as chief was sending his staff to Community College of Allegheny County for the life-saving classes.
"People didn't even know what I was talking about," he said. "Anyone can be a cop and write a speeding ticket. But when you can save a life, what bigger honor can you give to your taxpayers?"
Away from the job, Schafer stuck to his community commitment. He coached Little League football in Shaler and youth wresting. A 1953 Golden Gloves Champion, he founded the Police Athletic Club to give troubled teens a place to blow off steam.
"You gotta keep them busy, keep them out of trouble," Schafer said. "I used to carry a punching bag in my trunk. One summer we ran laps at Squaw Valley Park."
His makeshift gym was run for a short time out of the Pleasant Valley Fire Department before moving to a permanent space above the Sharpsburg VFW along Main Street. The spot was not far from the former Sharpsburg Train Station where Schafer trained as a teen.
"The guys I fought for, Frankie Lanzino and Jaggy Carricado, they were my inspiration," he said. "Them and Father Rogers from St. Scho's. I never saw a man kick a football like that priest."
Schafer served as a similar role model for local kids. He turned out at least three Golden Glove champs and traveled the country with them for tournaments.
O'Hara resident Rick Romea was one of them. Winner of four Golden Gloves titles, Romea said Schafer's gym provided an outlet for children who may not have otherwise had one.
"He's helped so many kids its incredible," said Romea, who recently took the reigns of gym director. "He used to bring kids down that were so troubled and it would straighten out their lives, having a place to be.
"I see a lot of them now, they're 50 and 55 years old, and they're still donating money to the gym to keep it going."
Now that Schafer has decided to hang up his gloves, he admits it was a hard-fought choice. He plans to spend much of his free time with his grandchildren.
"I'm trying not to think about it too much," he said. "I had a hard time deciding, but my wife wants me home."
