Monongahela promotes police officers to full-time police officers

By MICHAEL RICHTER
(email protected)
The Monongahela City Council promoted one of its part-time police officers to full-time police officer at its council meeting Wednesday.
The Monongahela Council voted to hire Spencer Allen, a former sergeant in the United States Marines. Allen joined the department in April 2023 as a part-time officer.
“He has been an exemplary employee ever since,” said Police Chief Kevin Harris.
Allen, a Ringgold graduate, received the highest score on the civil service exam recently completed by the Monongahela Police Department.
City officials and residents in attendance applauded after Allen’s hiring was approved by the City Council, and fellow officials Bill Fusco and Jeff Toth stopped by to congratulate Allen.
“I just want to say thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to serving our community,” Allen said.
Allen will fill the vacant position left by Officer Chase Taylor, who will resign in less than two weeks.
In a resignation letter addressed to the council and Harris, Taylor said he made the decision to resign after “much thought and consideration regarding my career goals and personal circumstances.”
Taylor valued his time with the force and is “committed to ensuring a seamless transition throughout my remaining time with the force.” Taylor offered to help train his successor.
Taylor also said he was grateful for the police department’s “guidance and camaraderie” during his tenure.
“He’s served us well over the years,” Harris said. “I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
In February 2020, Taylor became the first police officer hired during Garry’s term as mayor.
“So I wish him well too,” Garry said.
In other stores
• Council accepted, pending review, a $62,385.75 bid from Morgan Excavating to pave Country Club Road.
• Council voted to advance proposals to purchase Augusta LED lights to be used to replace streetlights on Main Street.
• Councilman Mark Gadd said city engineer Frank Novotny inspected the Wall Street Bridge, which crosses Pigeon Creek, and found it to have deficiencies. Novotny is looking for ways to finance his repairs.