By Trevor Eichler
The Town of Crawford Police Department recently promoted Police Officer Christie Meany to the role of Sergeant, after years of service and commitment to the town. Meany, who grew up in Pine Bush herself, is a familiar face around town as a police officer, and at Pine Bush High School as the School Resource Officer. Taking on the role of sergeant is no easy task, but Meany is up for the challenge.
“Anytime you are out in a new position, there are definitely obstacles to overcome, but I look at it as an exciting experience. Sure there will be times when my back may be up against the wall, but I have an incredibly supportive staff of officers with me, and anything I need is just a phone call away,” said Sgt. Meany.
Meany will join Sgt. Michael Mataraza on the commanding staff at the Crawford Police Department. As a young officer in the department, Meany always looked up to Sgt. Mataraza, and stated he was always someone she could look up to.
“After spending a good amount of time with these officers, we really became close. Everyone is really supportive and just a phone call away if I need anything. Sgt. Mataraza was always someone I could lean on, and now that I’ll be working beside him, is really something special for me,” explained Sgt. Meany.
“We are always excited when a young officer who spends time with the force is able to get promoted, especially someone as locally recognized as Meany. It’s a great way to move the department forward, and improvement of our commanding staff is always a plus,” said Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko.
A stand-out All Star softball pitcher, and straight A student, Meany has been involved in the Crawford Community for many years, and plans to continue for the unforeseeable future.
“Community Policing is very important to our officers. We are very fortunate that our staff is invested in the community the way that they are, and fortunate that the community is so helpful to us in return. The people of Crawford always show their support, and we are always trying to improve our involvement,” said Chief Blasko.
The Crawford Police Department is planning a new program to help the community even more called “Coffee with a Cop,” and it will be available for residents of Crawford in the near future. It’s an opportunity for people to pick a local place, set up a coffee date with an officer, and talk with them about whatever is concerning you. If there are complaints, or things that need to be addressed, this is a chance for residents to get their voice heard, and is another way the Crawford Police Department contributes change and positivity in their community.