It was an evening of accolades at the New Hanover Board of Supervisors meeting on Thursday, August 1.

Three members of the New Hanover Police Department – Sgt. Dekkar Dyas, Corporal Michael Salvo and Cpl. Brad Shup – are awarded with the FBI-Law Enforcement Exec- utive Development Association's Trilogy Award during last week's board of supervisors' meeting after completing a three-week leadership course. Jacques Battiste, center, the  FBI-LEEDA's executive director, presents the award to police Chief John Ciarlello, second from left. The department is the 14th law enforcement agency in Pennsylvania to earn the e award for leadership excellence.

            A large crowd gathered to witness honors presented by Chief Jay Ciarlello and the board of supervisors. First up were law enforcement years of service awards presented to Corporal Brad Shup, for 30 years; Officer Dave Fugelo for 15 years; and Officer Eric Johnson for 10.

            Chief Ciarlello then presented commendations to Officer Thomas Rosa for lifesaving and heroism following an accident where a tractor-trailer struck a tree, and for heroism to Sergeant Dekkar Dyas and citizen Kenneth Greiss, of Boyertown, for their efforts following an accident on January 24 of this year, when a car left the road, hit a tree, and caught on fire.

            Additionally, Officer Justin Lathrop, Officer Matthew Dean, and Corporal Shup each received a distinguished citizen citation for the apprehension and arrest of an armed man. The man had been prohibited from purchasing firearms, and the arrest resulted in the apprehension of more individuals involved in the sales of illegal firearms.

            Pennsylvania State Representative Donna Scheuren was also on hand to offer words of gratitude and praise to the officers.

            One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of Distinguished Citizen Awards to Lily Walter and Natalie Van Druff, the girls who spearheaded the renovation of the township's hockey rink. They were cited for their "exceptional contribution" toward saving the rink from becoming pickleball courts, advocating for improvements, and then securing a grant for $200,000 from the Philadelphia Flyers Charities to get the job done. A plaque honoring Lily and Natalie, to be mounted at the hockey rink, was also displayed.

            Township Manager Jamie Gwynn and Board Chair Marie Livelsberger also presented the girls with T-shirts reading "Chief Fun Ambassadors." The girls then gave a charming thank you and presented the board, staff, and public works crew with very fitting "gold" medals for their assistance in the project.

            In other police department news, Chief Ciarlello announced that the department had received a grant to purchase a drone, and that Officer Davidson was already trained in operating one.

            In zoning news, the supervisors authorized a settlement agreement with Whitetail Disposal, following an appeal of a waiver granted to the company by the zoning hearing board. The settlement will prevent the township and Whitetail from going to court and includes the stipulation that Whitetail hold a free electronics recycling event annually for New Hanover residents.

            Whitetail has been recently purchased by Casella Waste Systems, based in Vermont, but will not change its operations locally.

            According to the engineer's report, Sanatoga Road will be closed from August 13 to September 30 for the culvert and paving project and detours will be in place.

            The supervisors met in executive session on July 8 and before the August 1 meeting to discuss litigation.