A changing of the watch in Youngstown

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, June 24, 2006

The village of Youngstown Neighborhood Watch Program was established in 2000 by Bernice Richardson of Parkside Place in the village. It was announced recently that Richardson would be moving out of the village of Youngstown and into the Town of Lewiston and thus would be giving up her neighborhood watch post.

Over the past six years this neighborhood watch group has gradually diminished, but Richardson nonetheless has been steadfast in educating her neighbors on the need to be the eyes and ears for the Youngstown Police Department. Working closely with Youngstown Police Chief Chris Salada, Richardson finds it very important to let neighbors know that there is a Neighborhood Watch program in place.

“Bernice brags about educating residents on the importance of simply keeping your eyes and ears open and not being afraid to call the police,” said Salada. “This education helped catch a burglar that walked in the front door of a residence in the village when the home owner was out in his yard. Alert neighbors called the village police and the burglar was apprehended.

“Bernice said she will miss doing ‘her job’ but maybe she’ll continue in Lewiston,” Salada added.

He reports that the Youngstown Village Neighborhood Watch Program will continue its service under the reins of Alan W. Lusk of 325 Brookshire Road. Lusk has been a resident of the Village of Youngstown for the past 19 years and lives with his wife and two children. He is an experienced locksmith, working for Niagara Lock and Key Service Inc.

In addition, Lusk serves as a civilian advisor to the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Post, which provides first-hand experience for students interested in the field of law enforcement. He looks forward to serving the village of Youngstown community in this capacity and welcomes residents to give him a call. Salada reports that Lusk has also released his cell phone number, 983-7534, and is available for contact, even when he is not at home.

Reflecting on his association with Richardson, with whom he worked with for six years, Salada commented, “I am sad to see Bernice leave the area and give up her neighborhood watch post, she’s done a tremendous job. I could not think of a better replacement for Bernice than Alan Lusk.

“I have known Lusk for 10 years, I am very comfortable working with him and I’m confident he will do a fine job,” he added.