🍗 Thanksgiving Kindness | 👮 WCPD Adds Social Worker | 🏛️ New County CEO & COO

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In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🍗 Local Orgs Prepare Meals for Safe Harbor

👮 New Social Worker Position in West Chester PD

🏛️ Chester County Appoints New CEO and COO

💳 Images of Suspects in Credit Card Fraud Investigation

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

Holiday Giving: Students and Staff Prepare Meals for Safe Harbor

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University’s Nutrition Department joined forces with Aramark and Safe Harbor to prepare 50 Thanksgiving meals for the shelter’s residents. Under the leadership of Dr. Jeanie Subach, the team cooked traditional holiday dishes like turkey, sweet potatoes, and mac and cheese at the university’s Food Lab. WCU students, including dietetic interns and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, contributed to the effort, alongside Safe Harbor’s cook Regina White and Campus Chef Justin Grilli from Aramark.

This initiative was part of Dr. Subach’s grant-funded research to improve the nutritional quality of meals served at Safe Harbor and reflects the university’s commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. Safe Harbor Executive Director Jessica Chappell emphasized the shelter’s ongoing partnership with WCU, which spans various programs and continues to benefit its residents in meaningful ways.

New Social Worker Position to Bridge Gaps in West Chester Policing

WEST CHESTER, PA — The West Chester Police Department is taking a progressive step by introducing a Police Social Worker to its team, a first for Chester County. Approved during the Borough Council’s November meeting, the role is expected to launch in early 2025 and will focus on supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, homelessness, and addiction.

The initiative emerged from an internal meeting where officers identified areas for departmental improvement. Sgt. Andrew McFarlane highlighted the increasing demand for mental health support, leading Chief Josh Lee to propose the idea to council. The social worker will act as a liaison between the police and social service agencies, offering specialized assistance in sensitive cases and providing consistent support to those in need.

Chester County Restructures Leadership, Appoints New CEO and COO

WEST CHESTER, PA — In a significant leadership restructuring, Chester County has named David Byerman as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and promoted Erik Walschburger to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Byerman, an experienced leader in government administration, will focus on strategic vision and innovation, drawing on a distinguished career that includes leadership roles in Nevada and Kentucky. He begins his role on December 9.

Walschburger, who has served as Acting County Administrator for the past seven months, will oversee daily operations as COO. His extensive experience in county administration and the District Attorney’s Office positions him to maintain high standards of service delivery and operational efficiency.

Police Release Images of Suspects in Credit Card Fraud Investigation

EXTON, PA — The West Whiteland Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three individuals suspected of involvement in a credit card theft and subsequent fraudulent use. Surveillance images of the suspects have been released, and authorities hope community members can help provide leads.

Detective Mike Gardner is handling the investigation and encourages anyone with information to contact him directly via email or phone.

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