Title
Proclamation commending John Zelen, former state police officer and detective with the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, for his successful career in law enforcement that spanned more than 40 years.
Body
WHEREAS, Mr. John J. Zelen recently retired after devoting more than 40 years to a career in local and state law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, shortly following his 4-year service in the United States Navy, Mr. Zelen joined the Pennsylvania State Police, where he spent 30 years serving primarily in Allegheny County; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Zelen was also assigned to the State Police Organized Crime and Vice details, was a member of the original Allegheny County-based Fugitive Task Force and was later promoted to a Criminal Investigation Specialist; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the State Police, Mr. Zelen was witness to defining moments in local and national history, including his work during the 1968 riots following the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Steel Haulers' Strike, the Coal Miners' Strike, and the Johnstown-area flooding of the 1970s; and
WHEREAS, in 1997, Mr. Zelen came out of retirement and was hired as a detective by District Attorney Robert Colville and went on to serve under District Attorney Stephen Zepalla. He investigated and assisted in investigations involving public and police corruption, as well as a variety of theft cases;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council would like to honor Mr. John Zelen for more than 40 years of dedicated service to local and state law enforcement. Your commitment to serving and protecting our citizens is an inspiration to the Members of this Council, and we thank you for all that you have done.