1940's - 1990's

1940's

By the 1940’s, the city had over 16,000 residents and a nineteen-man police force lead by Chief Walter Hutchinson. One of the most spectacular and long-discussed murders in city history occurred about 11:20 p.m., April 11, 1947, on Main Street in front of the Barclay Bank and across from the courthouse. Mrs. Theresa Pedicone Daverse, about 35, was shot and instantly killed as a horrified Penn Transit bus driver looked on. Witnesses said that the mother of five children was trying to get away from her estranged husband, who after killing her put his revolver to his head and pulled the trigger. Only a click resulted. He escaped, and the search by city and state police contributed to his later apprehension at Denver, November 18, 1948. Convicted after an early 1949 trial, appeals and other delays prolonged the story until his March 30, 1953, execution at Rockview Penitentiary.  

1950's

In 1955, a new police headquarters was established at 416 South Main Street. New cells and modern office facilities were among the amenities found when city hall opened on September 9, 1955.

By 1957 the police department had grown to 27 officers, including the Chief. The 1960 census of over 17,000 residents prompted the hiring of three additional officers. In 1968 amidst growing social turmoil and ever-increasing vehicular traffic, six more officers were hired at an annual starting salary of $4,8000. The force of thirty-six officers was lead by Chief Peter Pignetti who required each new officer to undergo three months of basic police training at the Allegheny County Police Academy in Pittsburgh or at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey.  

1970's

Throughout the years, bank robbers have had little success in outwitting Greensburg Police officers. Through a combination of quick response and aggressive investigations, most have been brought to justice. This was demonstrated on January 22, 1970 when an armed robber was taken into custody as he was fleeing the East Hills Office of the First National Bank of Westmoreland (Southwest Bank).

The bank’s January 23 newsletter boldly proclaimed, “ the fact that several off-duty policemen participated in the pursuit of the suspect contributes to a “feeling of security” of our staff, our Bank and the citizenry of our City.”

At approximately 11:58 a.m., a masked male walked in the front door of the East Hills Office. He proceeded directly across the lobby to the nearest teller opposite the front door and brandished a gun. This is a holdup,” he said, instructing the teller at whose window he was standing to get money from several cash drawers.

He told the other staff members to “lay on the floor” and after taking a sum of money, he left the bank by the same door as he entered.

He walked briskly through the Sears parking lot, “as if looking for a car”. He was apprehended by Greensburg Police while commandeering the car of one Samuel Mumau, Jr., a Sears employee. Police later identified the masked bandit to be Rodger Edward O’Toole, 41 years of age, of 3231 Parkview Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The response of off-duty officers gave raise to the ideal that all officers should be issued a police radio monitor for installation in their homes. It was believed that their ability to monitor activity while off duty would aid in a quick response to serious crime.

It was about this time that a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer was installed at police headquarters. This technological marvel allowed officer to conduct instantaneous computer checks of Penn Dot vehicle registrations and drivers information. In addition, FBI and State Police stolen property, missing persons and wanted persons inquires could be made. The system allowed for point to point teletypes between city police and any other law enforcement agency in the country.

In 1973, Chief Peter Pignetti retired. Earl (Gabby) Johnson was appointed and served until 1975 when he retired because of poor health. From 1975 to 1980, Chief Nicholas Ficco led the department. Civilian police dispatchers replaced police “desk sergeants” and Westmoreland County’s first 911 dispatch center was founded in police headquarters.

During this period of time additional technological advances such as multi-channel mobile car radios with secure communications, radio repeater towers, and scientific breath test equipment was acquired for the department. In the late 1970’s each officer was issued a portable 2-way radio. This was very uncommon for the day and ensured quick police communications for both on-duty and off-duty officers.

1980's

In January of 1980 Domenick Felice took over the reigns as Chief of Police. During his term the most national media attention in years occurred on August 1, 1985. On that day city police followed up a tip and unknowingly arrested one of the nation’s ten “most wanted” criminals at a 545 West Newton Street apartment. The fugitive was Bernard C. Welch, who had gotten away from a Chicago area “escape proof” prison.

He was a convicted murderer of a prominent Chicago physician, as well as a master burglar, and was serving a 143-year sentence. In his local apartment hideout was a cache of over $500,000 in valuables stolen in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Going by the name of Robert Wilson, living quietly there with a local girl friend, his BMW auto provided the tipoff. Then county detective Chief Tom Tridico turned an informant’s note over to Greensburg Policeman Paul Burkey. Upon finding the parked car, a state police check showed the license belonged to another car. The National Crime Center in Washington, D.C. found the car had been stolen in a Wisconsin burglary.

Burkey and Officer Joseph Niedzalkoski returned to the address at 3:30 a.m. to make a stolen car arrest. Burkey took “Wilson”, who had guns at his side, into custody peaceably in a bedroom. But Welch had no papers to verify his Wilson identity. The FBI was contacted, and recognized the man’s description as “most wanted.” Fingerprints were sent to local and federal authorities who made a positive identification.

Later that afternoon, federal marshals came to Greensburg and took custody of the widely sought man. But the barrage of calls and visits from news media and law enforcement agencies around the country kept the police busy for a couple of days.

In May of 1986 Chief Felice retired and was replaced by Chief Raymond Attenberger. In short time the police department installed it’s first computerized records system to track all reported criminal offenses. In July of 1986 police headquarters underwent a major renovation that provided expanded office space for the detective division, administrative staff and the patrol division.

1990's

In May of 1994 Chief Paul Burkey replaced Chief Raymond Attenberger who retired. Reflecting trends in other cities, the police force was reduced to an authorized strength of twenty-seven officers. In 1996 Chief Burkey oversaw installation of second generation police computer software that greatly expanded the officers ability to query police records. This was also the first time that Greensburg officers would have in-house access to a local stolen property data base and wanted persons list.

In January of 1998, following the retirement of Chief Paul Burkey, Richard Baric was promoted to Chief of Police. That year, cognizant of increases in school shootings, an eight member Tactical Response Team was equipped with modern radios, tactical firearms and ballistic protection.