- Last Updated on Sunday, 01 September 2013 00:44
By Bill Kortz
State Representative, 38th Legislative District
Congratulations are in order to the Pleasant Hills Community on another fantastic National Night Out. Special recognition is in order for three deserving and distinguished community Leaders retiring this year.
State Representative, 38th Legislative District
Congratulations are in order to the Pleasant Hills Community on another fantastic National Night Out. Special recognition is in order for three deserving and distinguished community Leaders retiring this year.
![]() (l-r) Lt. Kelly, Sen. Matt Smith, Mayor Bourgeois, Chief Cunningham, Rep. Bill Kortz
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Chief Ed Cunningham and his police force put in extra hours every year to promote safety and respect in the Borough. The night reminds us of the bravery and dedication of law enforcement, and teaches our children that police officers are to be respected and trusted. Chief Cunningham is an excellent example for our young people. His commitment to the community as police chief will be sorely missed.
Mayor Warren Bourgeois has been a fixture in Pleasant Hills and at the parade for as long as anyone can remember. He always does an excellent job representing the community and working with other groups to make the night a huge success. Although he won’t be at the parades as mayor any longer, his mark will be forever left on this night.
Lt. Richard Kelly is the man who builds the National Night Out from the ground up. He is the unsung hero of this event, and I know the entire Pleasant Hills community counts themselves lucky to have Lt. Kelly working behind the scenes every year to bring the community together in such a fantastic way. It was also a special evening for Lt. Kelly as he was recognized by Senator Matt Smith and myself with recognition citations for his 35 years of loyal and dedicated service.
There are many others who work very hard each year, including Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company, Pleasant Hills public works, Baldwin EMS, and American Legion Post 712. The Police and Fire Department have such an outstanding relationship with the community, and It’s wonderful to see so many “Thank You” signs along with the Stars and Stripes displayed for the Emergency Service personnel.
While the parade was fantastic, it was important to note that National Night Out is more than just a parade; it draws attention to the importance of the communities’ involvement in crime prevention programs and the monumental impact citizen participation can have on reducing crime in the borough. Only through this cooperation and mutual respect can a community stay as strong as Pleasant Hills.
This event marked my eighth year as a participant in the parade. I’m always amazed at the amount of people celebrating with their children, families, and neighbors. Pleasant Hills is a great community to live, work, and raise a family in, and National Night Out is the best example of that. I’m honored to represent this and all my communities in Harrisburg. Again, to all involved and especially our three retirees, my warmest thanks and congratulations.
Mayor Warren Bourgeois has been a fixture in Pleasant Hills and at the parade for as long as anyone can remember. He always does an excellent job representing the community and working with other groups to make the night a huge success. Although he won’t be at the parades as mayor any longer, his mark will be forever left on this night.
Lt. Richard Kelly is the man who builds the National Night Out from the ground up. He is the unsung hero of this event, and I know the entire Pleasant Hills community counts themselves lucky to have Lt. Kelly working behind the scenes every year to bring the community together in such a fantastic way. It was also a special evening for Lt. Kelly as he was recognized by Senator Matt Smith and myself with recognition citations for his 35 years of loyal and dedicated service.
There are many others who work very hard each year, including Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Company, Pleasant Hills public works, Baldwin EMS, and American Legion Post 712. The Police and Fire Department have such an outstanding relationship with the community, and It’s wonderful to see so many “Thank You” signs along with the Stars and Stripes displayed for the Emergency Service personnel.
While the parade was fantastic, it was important to note that National Night Out is more than just a parade; it draws attention to the importance of the communities’ involvement in crime prevention programs and the monumental impact citizen participation can have on reducing crime in the borough. Only through this cooperation and mutual respect can a community stay as strong as Pleasant Hills.
This event marked my eighth year as a participant in the parade. I’m always amazed at the amount of people celebrating with their children, families, and neighbors. Pleasant Hills is a great community to live, work, and raise a family in, and National Night Out is the best example of that. I’m honored to represent this and all my communities in Harrisburg. Again, to all involved and especially our three retirees, my warmest thanks and congratulations.