Klobucor promoted to police chief by Delmont Borough Council

Delmont Council has appointed a new chief of police, but not without dissent.

By a 4-3 vote, council Tuesday promoted Officer Timothy J. Klobucor Jr. to head the department that currently has one part-time and three full-time officers. The position has been vacant since Lt. Ted Serjieg retired in September.

Voting in favor of Klobucor were Robert Wolff, Cher Anderson, Beth Kepple and Sarah Lamont. Julie Walczer, Doug Oberdorf and Bob Walczer cast negative votes. They were in favor of hiring Daniel J. Burns, a Duquesne police officer and one of 29 applicants for the position.

Before the vote, several citizens praised Klobucor and urged council to appoint a chief from within the department. They particularly cited Klobucor's friendliness, concern for the community and his efforts to get to know residents of the borough.

"On the other hand, we really should not punish Officer Burns for not knowing the community," Councilwoman Walczer said before the split vote. "I think we should set aside our feelings."

Klobucor has been a Delmont police officer since 1998. He will assume the duties of chief after completion of an agreement with the borough. His salary has not been announced.

Donna Duke, of Stotler Drive, complained about several alleged situations at a home operated by Family Services of Western Pennsylvania at 183 Stotler Drive. She contended that employees of the home were speeding, that one forced her off the road and caused $2,100 in damages to her vehicle, and that another employee almost ran into her children.

She said garbage was piling up and one of the residents was "screaming about every 30 seconds or every minute." She also asked council to enforce the prohibition of parking on the street.

Council referred Duke to the zoning officer. As for parking violations, Mayor Troy Scott said, "There will be no selective enforcement. The rules will apply to all homes."

William Viola II, a promoter from North Huntingdon Township, told council that he would like to stage a monthly Delmont Crossroads Antique and Collectables Show at Shields Farm from May through October.

He said he got the idea when he visited Delmont for the first time. "The history just jumps out at you," he said, "and this would work hand in hand with the people who go to these shows."

Council members agreed with Viola that the shows would benefit local commerce, but Solicitor Dan Hewitt cautioned that a for-profit event could jeopardize the farm's nonprofit status. He advised council to delay any decision until he ascertains how other groups handle similar events.