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Chester recognizes five residents, two officers for outstanding efforts

CHESTER - Five local residents and two Chester police officers were recognized for outstanding efforts during the Jan. 16 Chester City Council Meeting.

The residents were recognized for assisting police officers in making arrests on two separate occasions, while the two officers were honored for their work in preventing a suicide.

Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey spoke about service to others, heroism, and the importance of having a "cooperative partnership with the community" as the residents were honored.

"There is a need for everyone to lead their lives in service to others and those being recognized tonight are shining examples of people who demonstrate this principle," Coffey said,

Chester residents Bryce Hill, Paul Shinabargar and Mark Beam were recognized for their actions on Nov. 4 when they assisted Chester police officers who were attempting to arrest multiple suspects. Hill, Shinabargar, and Beam came to the aid of the officers who were having difficulty in securing the subjects. With their assistance, the arrests were successfully completed without any major harm or injury, Coffey said.

On Dec. 24, a Chester police officer was having difficulty attempting to arrest a subject who was actively resisting arrest on Swanwick Street, across from the area of the Buena Vista Bank. Chester residents Andrew Smith and Charles Bargman II came to the aid of the lone officer and helped to secure this subject without injury to either the officer or subject.

"I had heard on my scanner that there was an officer who was having difficulty making an arrest of a man who had caused difficulty at Benson's Wine Bar," Bargman said. "Apparently the struggle moved slightly down the street in front of my house and I went outside to assist. I and another man, who turned out to be Andrew Smith, helped secure the man and the officer successfully made the arrest."

All five were given the Citizen Service Award as well as a Chester Police Department Challenge Coin as a token of appreciation for their assistance in helping the officers.

Coffey also recognized and honored two Chester Police Officers Joseph Crain and Seth Buch for their successful efforts in safely securing an individual who was threatening to kill himself on the Chester Bridge.

That incident took place Dec. 2 and both Crain and Buch demonstrated the skills necessary to help the individual decide to not attempt to kill himself, Coffey said.

"Officer Crain and Buck each demonstrated poise and bravery during the incident," Coffey said. "Their actions are the cornerstones of serving and protecting.

"The circumstances associated with the location, the Chester Bridge, and the individual's state of mind, are what elevate this situation to above and beyond the call of duty," he added.

Both officers were presented with the Chester Police Department Life-Saving Award, as well as the Certificate of Commendation and a Life-Saving Uniform Pin. Crain has been with the Chester Police Department for 3½ years and Buch has been with the CPD for approximately eight months.

Chester Police Officer Joseph Crain, left, and Seth Buch, right, were recognized by Chief Ryan Coffey at the Jan. 16 Chester City Council meeting for their successful efforts in safely securing an individual that was threatening to kill himself on the Chester Bridge Dec. 2. Jim Beers photo