Butler mayor seeks state police help during officer shortage

BUTLER, Pa. — The mayor of Butler has asked for help from the state as calls about drug overdoses and crimes rise during a shortage of police officers in the city.

Mayor Tom Donaldson asked state troopers to help Butler officers patrol the streets from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

"Butler is like any other community experiencing the opioid crisis," Donaldson said.

TRENDING NOW:

• These 10 big US retailers might not exist in 2018
• VIDEO: Truck crash, fuel spill forces closure of inbound Route 28
• Arkansas conducts nation's 1st double execution since 2000 
• Scientists in Texas closer to diabetes cure with unconventional treatment

The mayor asked state police to help local officers for the next three months. The mayor said that will be a big help, especially because six positions are vacant in the Butler Police Department.

"They have the extra manpower and they're willing to help us," Donaldson said.

State police have been providing troopers since the mayor’s request last week.

Cox Media Group