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Crime & Safety

Three BAPD Corporals Receive Distinguished Recognition

Cpls. Robert Pfarr, Henry Marchesani and James Farrell were honored as level one Traffic Safety Specialists by the Maryland State Police earlier this month.

If you get pulled over while driving in downtown Bel Air, consider it an honor, especially if Cpls. Robert Pfarr, Henry Marchesani or James Farrell are the acting officers.

Well, maybe not an honor, but take comfort in knowing that the three members of the Bel Air Police Department know what they're doing. They were recently recognized as Traffic Safety Specialists by the Maryland State Police's Correctional Training Commissions earlier this month.

They are three of 100 officers, deputies or troopers statewide to receive the honor.

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Chief of Police Leo Matrangola is proud to have the men on his force.

"Not only did it show the dedication of the training, but they have to submit their applications, too," Matrangola said.

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And those applications are no bargain.

To qualify for level one designation, which Pfarr, Marchesani and Farrell have, an officer must have at least two years of independent patrol experience and have certification in operating speed detection equipment (read: radar) and standardized field sobriety testing procedures.

Pfarr is already working on his application to reach level two, which includes completing an intricate study.

"I have a paper to write and submit to the state," Pfarr said of his pursuit of level two. "I'm in the middle of that now working in conjunction with the Chief. He had a study he had to do here in town for a couple of side streets and I'm doing the study for him and then the paper will be about the study … and hopefully [I'll] get the award next year."

Pfarr said that he will know shortly after the application is submitted whether he will receive the elevated recognition.

In a press release from the Police Department, Matrongola further praised the three corporals:

"Clearly Cpls. Pfarr, Marchesani and Farrell epitomize the spirit of the TSS program. … we congratulate these officers on their very distinguished achievement."

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