The police department re-established the sergeant position in its new five-year contract, which supervisors approved last month. The sergeant position had been in the contract for several years but never filled, Supervisor Chairman Mike Nashtock said in December. The sergeant's position pays $14 an hour, he said.

Christoff, 43, graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1976. His parents have lived in the township for 45 years.

Christoff was sworn in as a township police officer in 1997. He is certified by the Pennsylvania State Police in firearms instruction and criminal investigation, certified by S&D Calibration Service in Vascar Plus radar and certified by the Mercer County District Attorney in accident investigation.

In 1994, Christoff attended Mercyhurst College Police Academy, Greenville campus, and was acknowledged for outstanding firearms proficiency. He was also certified in 1999 by the United States Department of Drug Enforcement Administration Highway Interdiction and in 2000 by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, Raid Planning and Warrant Services.

In 2001 he received certified tactical handgun and knife fighting training.

Christoff is certified as a paramedic through the national registry, Pennsylvania, Ohio and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is also a certified advanced cardiac life support and basic cardiac life support provider.

Through Rural/Metro Ambulance Service, Christoff is a dual certified paramedic holding standing orders in Mercer County, Trumbull County and the Mahoning Valley.

Christoff is also a firefighter and paramedic with the Sharpsville Fire Department and a safety risk officer and paramedic with Duferco Farrell Corp.

"I wish to assure the South Pymatuning Township residents that I will use my police, paramedic and firefighting skills to the best of my ability when responding to all criminal, medical and fire emergencies," Christoff said in a new release.

Christoff lives in Sharpsville with his wife, Tammy; his three daughters, Amber, Kellie and Samantha; and his son, Ricky.