Elizabeth Twp. chief reflects on long police career

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

With a 31-year career in law enforcement, there are experiences Elizabeth Township police Chief David Kerestes can never forget and others he hopes he never forgets.

As of today, the 56-year old Kerestes is officially retired. He has been the chief in Elizabeth Township since March 5, 2015. His career included stints in law enforcement in Forward Township, Rankin and Whitaker, starting in 1989 when he graduated from the police academy. 

“My oldest brother was retired from the state police,” Kerestes said. “I was close to him and it sparked my interest being around him.”

Kerestes worked for several years before entering the academy, earning the money he would need for tuition. His first job was at the Busy Beaver in his hometown of Monessen. Around the time he became a police officer, he married and moved to Forward Township. 

Kerestes said some of the advice he received during his first police job in Whitaker stands as something he passed on to younger officers. 

“Make sure you get to know your community. Don’t just be a uniform driving through a neighborhood,” he said. “People are only going to work with you if they trust you. 

“The trust factor, to me it’s the most important thing to whether you’re going to be successful or not. The police chief in Whitaker told me to treat everyone the same, even the derelict. You might need them as a witness some day.” 

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