Former York City police chief, ‘Ambassador in Blue’: Linked in with neat history stuff: Dec. 20, 2010
Wayne Ruppert, York City police chief in the late 1970s, passed away recently. His son, Wayne Ruppert Jr. plans to release a book on his father’s accomplishments in the summer of 2012. Here’s the lead-in to the website notes promoting the upcoming book “Ambassador in Blue:” “This story focuses on the extraordinary accomplishments of a young police officer in the City of York, Pennsylvania during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s; a once proud industrial city caught in an era of economic downfall, plagued with growing racial strife and crime. As a rookie patrolman, he observed firsthand the chaos and devastation that result when children grow up in broken homes plagued by poverty, and suffer from the lack of parental love and guidance. His intuitive solutions to the problem of juvenile delinquency he encountered on-the-job in the 1950s and 60s to this day remain unprecedented. He responded by conceiving and initiating programs that ultimately transformed the lives of hundreds of delinquent children and teenagers, giving them the guidance and hope they needed to break away from the influences of poverty, lack of education and bigotry. The aftereffects of his selfless actions resonate today in the lives of those he touched decades ago.” Also of interest: Thomas Chatman Jr., pioneering police chief: ‘I thank God and the citizens of York for the opportunity to serve them’ and For York County’s Hoses, law enforcement is all in the family and York Charrette or charade?
Neat stuff from all over… .
The Associated Press reported recently about the arrest of a small-town mayor in Western Pennsylvania who was upset about the closing of a hospital in his community.
According to AP, Pittsburgh police say Braddock Mayor John Fetterman, originally from York County, was charged Monday with defiant trespassing for refusing to leave the U.S. Steel Tower downtown… .
The skyscraper houses the offices of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which Fetterman has criticized for closing its money-losing hospital in Braddock.
Braddock is a town of 2,700 about 10 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Yorkers are, indeed, everywhere and doing, well, all kinds of things. Like fighting for the future of their town.
For a bit more on Fetterman visit: York County, Pa., people always in news.
Getting ready for 150th anniversary: Yorkblogger Melissa Nann Burke passed along that the Washington Post is tweeting the events leading to the secession of South Carolina 150 years ago in the words of the people who lived it.
Recommended blog post of the day: Yorkblogger Joan Concilio explores York County icon: Joe, the Motorists’ Friend.
Forum of the day, The Exchange: Got any stories of Christmas past to share?
Also:
– All York Town Square posts from the start. (Key word search by using “find” on browser.)
*Edited, 8/6/11
