2000 Law Enforcement Awards
2000 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Darryl Albright
Police Chief
Northeastern Regional Police Department
Darryl Albright began his law enforcement career with the East Manchester Township Police Department in 1974. The Northeastern Regional Police Department was formed in 1983, naming Darryl Albright as the Chief of Police. He continues to serve in that capacity today.
During his tenure, Chief Albright has promoted crime prevention, block watches, drug awareness, and community policing. He has added a detective, a lieutenant, the DARE program, and bike patrols to the department. Chief Albright has an open door policy with his officers as well as the community. He leads by example, and enjoys working the street on different shifts to stay in touch with the community.
Chief Albright is a strong believer in training, and urges his officers to excel in specialized areas. Albright has attended the Pennsylvania Chiefs Command Institute, and other federal, state, and local training, setting an example for his officers to follow.
Chief Albright is a past president of the York County Chiefs Association, a trustee with York County FOP Lodge #73, Vice President of the Pennsylvania Association of Regional Police, a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs Law Committee, and is currently serving as president of the Central Pennsylvania Chiefs Association. Albright has worked with County Probation to establish a Youth Aid Panel to work with first time juvenile offenders. He actively pursues his goal of a new police headquarters for his department.
On January 8, 2000, a young couple was kidnapped in the Goldsboro area, held at gunpoint, and driven to the Saginaw area. The young lady was raped and both individuals were shot, dumped into the Susquehanna River, and left for dead. Upon hearing the call from 911, Chief Albright, on his day off, immediately took charge of the investigation. Spending numerous hours along the riverbank looking for evidence, chasing down leads all over the county, and along with many other professionals, finally traced the crime to William Babner. Mr. Babner was arrested in less than 48 hours. Throughout the process of building the case against this perpetrator, Chief Albright took the lead, ensured every detail was covered, and kept the investigation moving forward. In September, a guilty verdict sent Mr. Babner away for a very long time.
Chief Albright exemplifies the qualities of Officer of the Year.
Nominated by: James F. Kinder, Mayor, Mount Wolf Borough
2000 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Philip T. Roberts
Detective First Class
York City Police Department
Detective Philip T. Roberts is a 19-year veteran who has distinguished himself throughout his career. Currently, he is the supervisor of the Vice and Narcotics Unit, which for the second year in a row has increased the number of drug arrests in the City of York. His expertise and knowledge of the drug culture and its operations is remarkable. His reputation with other law enforcement agencies is impeccable, and his ability to coordinate complex investigations speaks volumes for his capabilities as both an investigator and supervisor.
In addition to his investigative and supervisory duties, Detective Roberts makes time for his Brother and Sister Officers, having served them for several years as President of White Rose Lodge #15, Fraternal Order of Police. His efforts in guiding that organization directly benefit all of the officers in the department.
Among the "outside" activities the F.O.P., under his direction participates in, are the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, Cops for Lobsters program, which in the year 2000, raised over $2,700.00 in donations for Special Olympics.
He also participated in the C.O.P.S. Memorial Run from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. This run recognizes those law enforcement professionals who made the ultimate sacrifice, leaving behind families who need our support.
Detective Roberts also maintains an active role in his church, scouting for his children, as well as sharing his "free time" with organizations in the form of speaking engagements.
Detective 1st Class Philip T. Roberts' performance and work ethic has been exemplary during his tenure with the York City Police Department. He continues to devote attention to the many responsibilities of his position with a sincere desire to make improvements where they are needed.
Nominated by: George J. Swartz, Captain, York City Police Department
2000 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Nominee
Timothy M. Harvey
Sergeant
Springettsbury Township Police Department
Sergeant Harvey worked as a York County Park Ranger prior to entering into service with the Springettsbury Township Police Department. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania.
During his 12 years with the department, Sergeant Harvey has worked in patrol and community oriented policing. Presently, he works as a patrol sergeant, emergency management coordinator, and accreditation manager.
Sergeant Harvey has received numerous letters of commendation, Chief's Commendation, Department Award of Merit, and a letter of commendation from the US Secret Service.
Sergeant Harvey was designated as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Springettsbury Township in March of 1999 by then Governor Tom Ridge.
This is a unique assignment for a police officer and department, as typically this is assigned to a fire department and/or fire chief. Sergeant Harvey must coordinate and manage the Three Mile Island Emergency Preparedness drill, conducted every two years. The Township Emergency Operations Center, and execution of its emergency preparedness, management and mitigation plan is evaluated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Under Sergeant Harvey's direction, Springettsbury Township has never received poor or deficient ratings.
Sergeant Harvey assists our local school districts with formulation of their emergency preparedness plans, and the execution of emergency drills with the schools, administration, staff, and students. Sergeant Harvey has conducted drills with every school within the Township's jurisdiction. This has been an extremely successful endeavor, as both the school district and the police department have identified shortcomings within the plans and have taken measures to correct these.
Through Sergeant Harvey's guidance the police department has practiced various "true to life" scenarios they could potentially encounter in schools or on the school's property.
On September 11, 2001, Sergeant Harvey was working dayshift when the department received word that the World Trade Centers, Pentagon, and a rural area in western Pennsylvania had suffered terrorist attacks. Sergeant Harvey quickly realized the potential danger that lay ahead, when a fifth aircraft was reported hijacked and Three Mile Island could be a viable target.
In less than 20 minutes, Sergeant Harvey made the necessary contacts requesting EOC activation, and had the EOC manned and operational. Sergeant Harvey also began work on contingency plans to ensure the safety of the many children who would be traveling home from school on that day.
In light of the "anthrax" incidents following the September attacks, Sergeant Harvey developed a procedure to handle these types of incidents, as well as a procedure for suspicious evidence from throughout the County of York to be maintained until it could be transported for testing.
Sergeant Harvey sacrifices time with his family, spending much of his off duty time working on projects related to his Emergency Management Coordinator duties, and never requests compensation. Although fighting chronic illness, Sergeant Harvey, even when ill, has found the fortitude to carry on, when others would have called off sick.
His dedication, loyalty, and commitment to his Emergency Management duties have allowed the township to excel in this area of Public Safety. The FEMA evaluator recently commented, Springettsbury Township is a community he would feel totally comfortable residing in, due to the excellent guidance and delivery of emergency services under the direction of Sergeant Harvey.
Nominated by: David C. Eshbach, Chief, Springettsbury Township Police Department
