Irwin police chief gets new contract with maximum 3% annual raises

Irwin's police chief has a new three-year contract that provides for maximum annual salary increases of 3 percent.

Irwin Council on Tuesday approved the new deal for Chief Roger E. Pivirotto, which took effect Jan. 1.

Pivirotto, who will be paid $61,210 this year, will receive the annual salary increases in 2019 and 2020, plus 75 percent of the cost the borough would incur if he were covered by Irwin's health insurance, said Valerie Morton, borough manager.

The chief did not attend council's reorganization meeting and could not be reached for comment. Pivirotto said last month that the new contract will provide stability and continuity for the department.

He has yet to review the contract, Morton said.

Before approving the contract, council went into a closed-door executive session lasting about 30 minutes to discuss personnel matters.

Pivirotto is a former state police lieutenant who worked for the state police for 25 years. He was a member of the Special Emergency Response tactical team and trained with the FBI.

The borough hired Pivirotto in October 2013. He succeeded Joe Pocsatko, who was fired in January 2013. Council voted to rehire Pocsatko, then accepted his voluntary resignation in February 2013.

Joe Napsha is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-836-5252 or jnapsha@tribweb.com.