Brackenridge names new police chief

Brackenridge has a new police chief, filling a position that has been vacant since the retirement of the borough’s former longtime chief earlier this year.

Justin McIntire had been the officer-in-charge of the department since Chief Jamie Bock retired at the end of June . Bock had been chief for 20 years and with the department for 41 years.

Sgt. John Antal retired at the same time.

Council promoted McIntire, a patrolman, first to sergeant and then to chief, Councilman Dino Lopreiato said. He said that was done so if McIntire ever loses his position as chief, he’d be reduced to sergeant instead of back to patrolman.

Lopreiato said McIntire stepped up and helped out since Bock and Antell left the force.

“He’s been great,” Lopreiato. “We feel really good about our choice. He’s done an exemplary job the years he’s been in Brackenridge.”

McIntire will be sworn in as chief on Jan. 2, Lopreiato said.

Other personnel moves in the police department saw Officer Mike Duffy promoted to sergeant.

Two part-time officers, Cindee Busch and Joshua Grafton, were hired full-time, Lopreiato said.

That leaves the department with one part-time officer, Joe Albaugh. Lopreiato said the borough will hire one or two more part-time officers.

Brian Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BCRittmeyer.