The Newville Borough Police Department is located at 27 W. Big Spring Avenue.

The police department was established back in the early days of history, when a constable was appointed by the town’s people to keep order and peace.

The first policeman was Bill Grove back in the year of 1935 or perhaps earlier and was on call 24 hours a day, and drove his own car. Grove was always remembered for directing traffic at the local drug store. Through the years, there were many several other policemen and police chiefs that served the Borough of Newville. Elmer Ritner Hollenbaugh, nickname of “Porgy”, drove a coupe as the police car. He died while on duty in 1944. The story was that someone or somebody stole something in the area, and Elmer chased the thief into the Newville Theater and collapsed of a heart attack. Rufus Hillbush, was to be a police chief and when not doing his duties, he operated at pool room on S. High Street. He also died while on duty. John Feeser, another police chief, also worked 24 hours a day as on call. During his time, the first Newville Borough police car was purchased, which was a black Chevrolet. Charles L. Bear followed as a police chief, and during his time, council agreed to the first 8 hour shift for the policemen. Dean Hoover, worked as a part-time officer for Bear and the council members. Following Bear was Greg Hershey, who was the youngest officer ever hired, then became police chief for a total of 25 years. He was followed by Vaughn Smith and the current police chief Randy Finkey.

History also tell us, that the police department was located on West Street for many, many years, sharing the building in the early years with local fire department, and later in time with the borough office.  It was very small in size and included a cell area. The police department then moved to its current location on Big Spring Avenue in the year of 2008.

The department provides coverage to the residents of the Borough of Newville, Big Spring School District, Saylor’s Market, Green Ridge Village, and the Newville Fairgrounds. It will also provide mutual assistance to other law enforcement agencies when requested.

It’s currently staffed by a Police Chief, two full time officers, three part-time officers , a police clerk, and a parking enforcement person.

Over the past few years, the call incidents have been increasing, keeping the small department very busy. During the year of 2010, the department answered over 1,000 calls. The police department is responsible for the safety of the citizens of the Borough of Newville, providing patrol coverage for the protection against crimes, and protecting the welfare of the citizens.

The police department held its first ever “National Night Out” on the first Tuesday of August in 2010.

The current staff includes:

Police Chief Randy Finkey

Corporal James Swartz

Officer Todd Koser

Officer John Szczypta

Officer James Borza

Officer Patrick Bowers

Officer Charles Pyatt

Clerk Vickie Negley

Meterman Don Kail.

The operations of the police department are under the direction of the Mayor of Newville.  Dr. Becky Barrick serves as the current Mayor.

You can contact the police department at 717-776-5513 or 717-243-4121, or 911 if you have an emergency.

Corporal James Swartz of the Newville Borough Police Department met with 199th Representative Stephen Bloom recently at the Newville Fairgrounds during the Touch-A-Truck event sponsored by the Big Spring Kiwanis Club. Bloom took time from his busy schedule to meet Swartz and for a photograph.

Officer Keith Seibert of the Newville Borough Police Department receives a 10 year recognition plaque for his services to the police department, resigning for personal reasons.
L to R Chief Randy Finkey, Officer Seibert, President Bill Toth, and Mayor Becky Barrick.

Newville Borough Police Department
27 W. Big Spring Avenue
Newville, Pa. 17241
717-776-5513

Scott Donato of the Newville Tractor Twang makes a check presentation to Police Chief Randy Finkey for the new camera security system at the Newville Community Park.

Total Calls to date as of end of May 2012:  605  
May 2012 Call Total:                      110
Patrol Hours   Year       May
              2,947       604.5
Traffic enforcement   Year   May
                      336     38
Mileage               Year   May
                      10,738   1,742

Monthly Police Report August 2012
Total Calls for August 154
Traffic enforcement citations moving 18
Traffic citations non-moving 5
Traffic warnings 24
Patrol Hours 599.50
Warrants served 4
Total Calls for the Year 1015