Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Three new sheriff’s deputies sworn in
NORRISTOWN » Three new Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies were sworn in March 22 at the Montgomery County Courthouse.
The special outdoor ceremony also included a staff commendation, the donation of funds raised for the Center for Loss and Bereavement and recognition of members of the office’s command staff for their support of deputies serving in the National Guard.
All of the swearingin and award ceremonies were combined because of rescheduling due to inclement weather and COVID-19 mitigation rules.
First up was the swearingin of our three new deputies.
Deputy Adi Basra is a graduate of Wissahickon High School and the North Montco Technical Center where he studied Automotive Technology. He is currently studying Business Administration at Montgomery County Community College and is transitioning to the MCSO from his job as a security officer right here at the Montgomery County Courthouse. He has experience in customer service and as a building supervisor with the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA in Ambler.
Deputy Timothy Cheng graduated from Upper Merion Area High School and studied Criminal Justice at Bridgewater State University and Montgomery County Community College. He is also transitioning from a job as a Montgomery County Security Officer and has prior security and customer service experience. Deputy Cheng is an active member of the US Army Reserve, 424th Medical Battalion, and has served as a volunteer firefighter with Upper Merion Fire EMS and the Norriton Fire Engine Company.
Deputy Patrick Kivlin earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bloomsburg University after graduating from Bucks County Community College and Central Bucks South High School in Warrington, Pa. He has experience in landscaping and customer service and has training in martial arts.
Serena Johnson of the MCSO Real Estate Division received a commendation letter of exceptional service for her role in getting the office’s online sheriff’s sales up and running.
Johnson helped research and test the program, which partnered with online auction firm Bid4Assets to bring the first online sheriff’s sale to the Commonwealth and has served as a model for neighboring counties looking to replicate its efficacy and success.
Lt. Joannne Lawlor, Sgt. Ronald Cole, Cpl. Timothy Metz and Cpl. Matthew Pokorny were recognized by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their “efforts to support citizen warriors through a widerange of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.”
The recipients were nominated by currently serving National Guard member, Deputy Broades Sample.
As a former National Guardsman, Sheriff Kilkenny thanked Deputy Broades for the nominations and expressed his gratitude to the Command Staff recipients who reinforced the MCSO’s commitment to supporting members who serve in the National Guard.
“It’s really near and dear to my heart that the supervisors here in the Sheriff’s office continue their support for those who support us and our country through giving up their time for service through dedication” said Kilkenny.
“I spent 17 years (in the guard). I retired three years ago and spent a lot of drill weekends. I know what it’s like to get in at midnight or 1 o’clock on a Sunday night and have to get up for work after having been in the field as a guardsman and reservist that weekend. And without employers and a family that really helped me, (I) couldn’t have done it.”
Kilkenny and Chief Adam Berry also presented Donna Piergallini and Christina Larkin from the Center for Loss and Bereavement with a donation check of $700 from last year’s ‘No Shave November’ fundraiser in which deputies refrained from shaving for the month to raise money for the Montgomery County based non-profit.
The loss and bereavement center is also “near and dear” to the heart of the MCSO due to the wealth of support they provided to Deputy Bryan Lukens and his family who lost two children in a tragic fire in Dec. 2017.
The Lukens’ surviving daughter benefitted from attending Camp Millie, a special camp run by CLB staff, explained Kilkenny, who also lauded the Center for the counselling and educational services they provide to “individuals, families, and organizations during the most difficult of times, year in and year out.”