At the Cumberland Township’s November Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Chief Matt Trostel introduced the department’s newest hire, police cadet Fausto Rodriguez. Rodriguez is the latest addition to the department after the hire of Jordan Spidle during the summer. Both Rodriguez and Spidle are currently enrolled in the 125th Harrisburg Area Community College’s Police Academy Program and expected to graduate on December 21. The cadets completed firearms training; evidence collection and investigation techniques; as well as physical training testing; OC and Taser certification; courtroom testimonial practical, and final scenario practical.
Rodriguez emerged as the top candidate after being interviewed by a hiring committee consisting of Chief Trostel, Board Chair Shaun Phiel, Township Manager David Blocher and Sergeants Joshua Rosenberger and Joshua Goodling. Upon acceptance, Cadet Rodriguez had to complete a battery of Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) requirements and a thorough background investigation.
According to the police department’s report, Rodriguez holds two associate degrees in applied sciences (Criminal Justice and Electronics Engineering Technology); is a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, with a rank of E5 Sergeant, and has earned several military awards and recognitions, including the National Defense Service medal, Army Service Ribbon, and PA State PT accomplishment.
Trostel was thrilled to report that the department had now returned to full staffing with the recent hires of Cadet Jordan Spidle, Cadet Fausto Rodriguez, Part Time Officer Joe David, and Part Time Officer Brian Weikert; gained two sergeants by promoting Joshua Rosenberger and Joshua Goodling; and successfully retained Detective Steve Higgs.
The Chief further reported on positive interactions and praises from members of the community for Sgt Josh Goodling, Officer Eric Yost, former Officer Dakota Myers, and Officer Dan Barbagello. Trostel and Sgt Josh Rosenberger recently assisted VIDA Charter School with monitoring their lockdown drill. In addition, the department participated in the township’s Trick or Treat activities on October 31st. “The public was very kind to the officers with plenty of treats and no tricks,” Trostel reported with a smile.
Chief Trostel concluded by giving a presentation on his recent successful completion of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) program. The program focuses on “Strengths Based Leadership Assessment,” with five signature themes addressing the individual student’s strengths based on criteria such as context, analysis, individualization, input, and responsibility.
Trostel based his strength assessment on his ability to learn from history and past mistakes; creating gateways to trust; providing the sense of security that people seek; ensuring environments suited to individual talents; making himself available as someone others can depend on for help; and being a leader who likes to serve. He further stressed his commitment to surrounding himself “with a team of trusted individuals who will be productive by utilizing their strengths.” Ethics and ownership of commitments are two of Trostel’s guiding principles.
Of the 27 course topics addressed in the program, Trostel highlighted some examples of his approach to keeping close involvement in the community, and ensuring officer job satisfaction and wellness.
With respect to SPSC Focus on Leadership, the Chief reported on his commitment to identifying and crafting small wins, including:
Return to full staffing; enhancing training; promoting and retaining staff; and enhancing department visibility by increasing traffic stops; community event support; grant awards; and making use of local media and resources to provide transparency of police activities to the community.
Trostel attended the courses between October 2023 and March 2024 and graduated with 98.66% of points achievable. The Board congratulated Chief Trostel on his achievement and voiced their support of his leadership efforts for the Cumberland Township Police Department.
Picture: Chief Matthew Trostel welcomes Cadet Fausto Rodriguez to the Cumberland Township Police Department
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired from the corporate world and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz.
As an immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate maintains a strong connection to various other cultures and languages, both as a writer and advocate. Donate is an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. She and her husband have two daughters and three grandchildren.