A room full of Coplay Town Watchers turned out April 15 to honor Lehigh County Sheriff Ron Rossi.

Town Watch President Bill Leiner Jr. paid homage to "the spectacular career [Sheriff Rossi] had serving as sheriff and as a Pennsylvania State Trooper. Your life's work is an example of a true American success story," Leiner said.

"Sheriff, you have done much for Coplay," Leiner continued. "The town watch wants to thank you on behalf of Coplay for who you are and what you have accomplished."

Rossi was presented a plaque of the Saylor Cement Kilns as a gift of appreciation.

Rossi said Coplay is one of his favorite communities.

"I have many great memories of Coplay and you have a wonderful Halloween parade," he said.

Another strong Coplay Town Watch supporter was recognized for his near-10-year commitment to the CTW. Dean Browning was on hand to thank Rossi for his efforts.

Although not from Coplay, Browning values CTW efforts. Browning said he is proud to help and be affiliated with the town watch.

Leiner pointed out that "the CTW has a solid core of members but outsiders who support the effort like Dean are very important in our success for so many years."

The CTW was founded July 12, 1995, at North Fifth Street, Coplay. Formerly called the Coplay Crime Watch, the name was changed in 2004 to the Coplay Town Watch to broaden the group's activities from simply crime watching.

There are eight committees that comprise the CTW: National Night Out, Bike Derby, Properties of Merit, Fund Raising, Dog Walker Watch, Sunday Watch Walk, Neighborhood Watch and the Feral Cat Committee.

Denise Continenza of the Communities That Care (CTC) program was also present to thank and honor Rossi.

She then made a brief presentation on the CTC program called "Those Who Host Lose the Most."

The program educates parents on the problems of hosting alcohol parties in their homes for their teenage children and their friends. The legal risks the parents take hosting an alcohol party for underaged children is enormous.

The CTC has other programs that are designed to help children and families be safe and successful.

Also on hand to honor Rossi were Andrea Naugle, Lehigh County clerk of judicial records; Ken Kohar, of the sheriff's office; Officer Bill Globosits, representing the Coplay Police Department; and Ed Sukal.

Nearly everyone in the room first met Rossi when they were in grade school when he visited schools to give safety talks as a state trooper.

Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra was not able to attend, due to being on vacation, but sent his regards to Rossi on his outstanding, unparallelled career in law enforcement.

In other matters, the CTW discussed the 21st Annual Bike Derby planned for 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13 at St. Peter's RC Church.

Children from Whitehall are also invited to attend.

There is an effort to try to have the Whitehall Crime Watch cosponsor the event.

All children present will receive a bike helmet, gift cards and other gifts.

The Coplay Police Department sets up a safety course for children to travel to improve their bike-riding skills. The police department also presents bike safety tips.

The derby is for children ages 2 to 14. Refreshments will be served, and the event is free.

Those interested in joining the town watch group should call Kevin at 484-767-3094 or Bill at 610-751-2745 or email keppel1976@gmail.com or billleiner@aol.com.