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Award-Winning Essays: McKeesport police Sgt. Dorothy Kuharski, head of the city's school crossing guards, holds a microphone for John May, a student at Centennial Elementary School, while he reads his prize-winning essay about the late Lee "Poo" Burke.

Burke, 40, died Feb. 17 of complications of diabetes. A McKeesport police officer for 10 years, Burke was law-enforcement coordinator for the city's "Weed and Seed" initiative and oversaw the department's community outreach to schools.

Students were encouraged by Kuharski to write essays about the lessons they learned from Burke.

The top two essays were presented to Burke's widow, Missy, during a ceremony at Wednesday's city council meeting.

The other winner was Christopher Lynn of George Washington Elementary School. Both winners received trophies and prize baskets.

(Tube City Almanac photo/Jason Togyer)

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Bravery Cited: McKeesport police Officer Francis Angert, center, receives the department medal of valor from Mayor Jim Brewster on Wednesday as Assistant Police Chief Al Tedesco and police Lt. Art Pero watch.

During a training exercise on April 1, Angert intervened when his K-9 partner, Nero, accidentally bit a Bethel Park police officer near his face and neck. According to Police Chief Joe Pero, Angert got between Nero and the Bethel Park officer, received a serious bite wound to his bare leg and had to be rushed to UPMC Presbyterian hospital.

In recommending the citation, city police Sgt. Tim Bliss said that if Angert hadn't intervened, the Bethel Park officer might have suffered a severe or fatal injury.

(Tube City Almanac photo/Jason Togyer)

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New Member Welcomed: David R. Luikart is the newest member of Veterans of Foreign Wars "Intrepid" Post 914 in West Mifflin.

Luikart, a Marine who saw combat during the Vietnam War, was inducted at the post's monthly meeting April 30 at the Thompson Run Athletic Club.

Post spokesman Mike Mauer said that Luikart was an aviation radio technician, rising to the rank of staff sergeant.

At right, Post Commander Charles Krebs, wearing garrison cap, welcomes Luikart.

Another new member is Robert A. Sanchez of Creston Drive, West Mifflin.

Mauer said Sanchez earned combat honors while serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as an aviation navigation systems specialist.

(Submitted photo/Mike Mauer)

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