TRR photo by Pat Camuso (Click for larger image)

State police dedicate new Blooming Grove barracks

By PAT CAMUSO

BLOOMING GROVE, PA—State police and law enforcement officials from across three states joined local dignitaries on Thursday, October 24 at dedication ceremonies for the new Blooming Grove state police station house.

The new barracks was erected alongside the old Blooming Grove station house on Route 402 just north of Interstate 84 and has been online since last summer. The old structure could not sufficiently house the Blooming Grove detachment of Troop R out of Dunmore and was removed to make room for the new facility’s parking area.

According to Sergeant Rodger Smith, Blooming Grove’s current compliment of personnel includes one lieutenant, station commander Francis Talerico, two sergeants, six corporals, six detectives, 28 troopers, four public communication officers and one clerk.

Lt. Col. Robert Werts from state police headquarters in Harrisburg applauded the state legislature for making the new building possible. He addressed the chronic staffing problems facing law enforcement agencies across northeast Pennsylvania. He said that as the region continues to grow, he expects that the legislature will allow new troopers to be assigned to the Blooming Grove station.

“But remember,” he said, “we just can’t hire new people. It takes an act of the state legislature.”

According to Talerico, the new station, at nearly twice the size of the original Blooming Grove barracks, provides needed space for the current staff and will allow for future growth.

Werts opened the ceremony saying this is an important day for Pike County and a symbol of the troop’s commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the troopers and the residents they serve. The ribbon cutting was attended by nearly one hundred well wishers including the Pike County Board of Commissioners, District Attorney Doug Jacobs, State Representative Jerry Birmelin and a host of other dignitaries.