Beech Tree News Network

The Morgantown Police Department (M.P.D.) made two promotions during the Morgantown City Council meeting on Thursday night.  Sergeant Paul Burden was promoted to the rank of captain and Officer Denny Deweese was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps and Chief of Police Charles Swiney presented Burden and Deweese with a framed document and the rank appropriate stripes.  The mayor and chief then pinned each officer with the rank appropriate gold lapel bars.

Chief Swiney presented the Morgantown Police Department's monthly report during the meeting, as well.  During December 2014, the M.P.D. responded to 388 calls for service, opened 14 criminal cases, made 15 criminal arrests, issued 41 citations, assisted 4 motorists, worked 16 accidents, and made 4 D.U.I. arrests.

During his "State of the CityAddress," Mayor Billy Phelps also presented the M.P.D.'s  annual report. In 2014, the Morgantown Police Department responded to 5,381 calls for service, opened 125 criminal cases (55 of which were presented to the Butler County Grand Jury), made 313 criminal and 40 DUI arrests, issued 235 citations, investigated 131 traffic accidents and assisted 87 motorists. They also participated in six 5k runs and four parades.
Notable M.P.D. events include the following: 
·         KSP Audit in March resulted in zero errors
·         All officers qualified at the firing range
·         All officers completed in-service and remained certified
·         The Highway Safety Occupant Protection Award was awarded to Sgt. Paul Burden
·         The Governor’s Award for Impaired Driving Arrests was awarded to Officer James Embry
·         Sgt. Paul Burden, Officer Denny Deweese, and Officer Ethan Vincent attended and became certified in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement.