FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CONTACT: Chief Deputy Joseph Rizzo, (412) 350-4711
ALLEGHENY COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF NAMED CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER OF THE YEAR
(HARRISBURG, PA) – Allegheny County Deputy Sheriff S. Jason Tarap today received the honor of being named Crime Prevention Officer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Deputy Tarap was chosen from amongst law enforcement officers across Pennsylvania for giving exemplary commitment to improving the quality of life through crime prevention efforts. He was presented this inaugural award at the annual Crime Prevention Conference in Grantville, Dauphin County. Sheriff William Mullen nominated him for the award.
“Deputy Tarap has been serving the Sheriff’s Office as a Crime Prevention Officer for eleven years and his commitment and passion in empowering citizens to adopt safer, crime resistant lifestyles grows stronger everyday. I was proud to recommend Deputy Tarap for this commendation because of the leadership he offers County citizens striving to make safer, healthier decisions not only for themselves, but for the growth of our greater community, “ Sheriff Mullen said.
Deputy Tarap is credited with developing or obtaining instruction on over thirty crime prevention programs designed to help people in all walks of life – from pre-kindergarteners to senior citizens. He is Co-Director of Allegheny County Camp Cadet, a weeklong, interactive law enforcement experience offered to eligible kids each year, and has set-up over 30 crime watch groups throughout the County. Deputy Tarap also spearheads the Tree of Hope Program, which provides over 2,500 gifts to less fortunate children in the Greater Pittsburgh area each holiday season, and was the Presents for Patients® distribution coordinator for the past ten years.
The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office believes that crime prevention is an essential component of law enforcement. By giving citizens the knowledge and confidence they need to take proactive steps in their own safety, we build better-informed, more empowered communities willing to work together in the fight against crime.
