An idea was brought to Beaver by then Police Chief Tony Hovanec. He took it to then Sgt. Dan Madgar, and Dan ran with it.
Policing and public safety classes were offered free of charge to participants, with the costs being covered by the then District Attorney Anthony Berosh through confiscated assets primarily obtained from drug arrests. Each session lasted for three hours over a period of 10 weeks. The curriculum included topics such as the history of law enforcement, police equipment, critical decision making for officer and citizen safety, vehicle codes, traffic stops, DUI and accident investigations, drug identification and enforcement, criminal investigations, fingerprinting, identity theft and computer crimes. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to visit the courts, potentially meeting a District Attorney, judge, or other emergency services personnel. They also learned about criminal law and self-protection, visited the Beaver County Jail, the 911 Center, the Hazmat Center, and possibly received CPR training.
Following the initial classes, many participants felt the need to continue their education, leading to the formation of the Beaver Area Citizens Police Academy Alumni (BACPAA). The BACPAA engaged in various civic works within Beaver County, including building playground equipment, manning booths at events, and directing participants in fundraising walks and events.
The Citizens Police Academy classes were conducted from 2007 to 2019, with a total of 20 classes held during those years and 382 participants educated. The BACPAA was established by individuals who completed these classes.
To fund their activities, the BACPAA organized their own fundraising events and charged a nominal yearly membership fee. The funds raised were used to support the police canine unit, purchase Christmas gifts for children at the Women’s Center, maintain the Police Memorial at the corner of Third and Market Streets (including lobbying the County Commissioners to install an irrigation system in the area, to which the BACPAA contributed half of the cost). Quarterly meetings of the BACPAA typically featured guest speakers.
Due to the COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent inactivity, the BACPAA decided to cease their activities. Recently, they made the difficult decision to disband. Discussions were held regarding the funds in their bank account, and it was determined that they should give back to those who had contributed so much. After consulting with Police Chief Madgar, it was decided to use the funds to offset the cost of dress uniforms for full-time police officers in the town. The remaining funds would be allocated towards adding or updating the valuable camera system being used in Beaver Borough.
