Radnor Citizens Police Organization founder praised
RADNOR » Both Radnor Township and a state official this week recognized the work of Jeff Stacey, founder of the Radnor Citizens Police Organization.
The volunteer members of the community-based RCPO are part of a nonprofit group that facilitates public safety and promotes Radnor’s community policing philosophy.
“Mr. Stacey brought the idea of citizens becoming partners with their police department, and it was a success. Through his volunteerism, he helped lead the Citizens Police Academy program and introduced a new way to get involved with our community. He is a tribute to modernday community policing concepts and true community leader,” Radnor Police Superintendent Chris Flanagan said.
In 2012, Stacey was running the Radnor Town Watch Program when he suggested the concept of the Radnor Citizens Police Organization. Working in 2015 with the police department, township leaders, and the Radnor Board of Commissioners, the RCPO was formed. The program was designed to build and foster a positive relationship between the community and law enforcement. Members are comprised of volunteers from the township who complete a nine-week course. The course includes classroom instruction and practical field exercises to help gain a working knowledge of how the police department works. They also learn more about the issues that affect law enforcement in the township and throughout the country.
John Talucci, president of the Radnor Citizens Police Organization, said it was Stacy’s hard work that got the organization going.
“If it weren’t for Jeff five years ago, we wouldn’t be here today,” he said.
Besides being recognized by Radnor, state Rep, Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield, also presented Stacey a letter and an award of excellence from the state.
“I know, especially today, with everything we have going on in our society, establishing a strong relationship between our community and our police department is paramount for community safety, for creating a strong and engaged community and for so many reasons,” O’Mara said. “So I just want to thank you for all you’ve done for everyone in Radnor. You’ve made Radnor Township an even better place to live.”
Flanagan said Stacey came into the police station one day with a lot of ideas.
“Jeff had a clear vision … and that was to make Radnor better, safer, and more engaged,” Flanagan said.
According to a press release from the township, Stacey was instrumental in expanding the RCPO to include several other important initiatives. In 2015, the Radnor Township Citizens Police Academy was formed, followed by the Community Emergency Response Team in 2016. The CPA is a program designed to provide participants with a working knowledge of the Radnor Township Police Department. The main goal of the CPA is to provide the residents of Radnor Township with a higher level of knowledge and insight into the workings of their police department. The CERT program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This course is designed to help participants learn to protect them
selves, their family, neighbors, and neighborhood in an emergency. CERT members receive over 17 hours of initial training. It is free for residents of Delaware
County over the age of 18.
“Jeff, your clear vision was a true inspiration to this entire township,” Flanagan said. “We all have benefited from it.”
After receiving the award, Stacy thanked the volunteers, his children, the township leadership
and the police.
While thanking the volunteers, Stacy said, “Unless you put your time and efforts into this, none of this happens. So I appreciate the early morning and the late hours that we all have put in over the years.”