Chief Pettine is retiring. One of HPD's own, John Viola, was promoted. He starts Monday. Details in the News-o-Delco (more about John Viola and the US OPEN on philly.com below): John Viola becomes police chief in Haverford Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 By Lois Puglionesi For Digital First Media HAVERFORD >> After a career that has spanned more than 45 years, former Deputy Chief of Police John Viola became the township’s new chief of police, effective Monday. The commissioners voted unanimously in favor of Viola’s promotion. Viola succeeds former Chief Carmen Pettine, who is retiring. Family, friends, supporters from multiple police departments, Brookline Fire Department and several county officials were on hand as Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Green administered the oath of office. Commissioner and Chair of the Police Committee Stephen D’Emilio noted that Viola has served in many capacities during the course of a distinguished career that began in January 1970, when Viola joined the Patrol Division. In his earliest role as a police medical emergency responder, Viola helped transport sick and injured persons on police medical wagons, D’Emilio said. Appointment to the Youth Aid Division and Detective Division followed in 1975. Then in 1991, Viola joined the Highway Safety/Special Operations Unit, honing skills for major accident investigations. Additionally, Viola trained in arson investigations and SWAT/crisis management and has served as Tactical SWAT commander for over 15 years, D’Emilio said. Viola was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1994 and became special operations supervisor several years later. Subsequent roles included assignment as Delco’s lead law enforcement representative on the Southeastern PA Terrorism Task Force and serving on the Five County Terrorism Task Force under Homeland Security as the Haz Mat SWAT Commander and as commander on the Major Incident Response Team, … [Read more...]