35-year police veteran takes reins as Bridgeville police chief

Bridgeville officials didn’t have to look far to find the borough’s next police chief.

Council on Monday, May 12 appointed Sgt. Gary James, a 35-year veteran of the borough’s police department, as chief.

“It’s a great honor to be able to represent this community as chief of police,” said James, 59. “It means a lot to me.”

James often says he wasn’t born and raised in Bridgeville, but grew up there.

After working a two-year stint in Dormont from 1988 to 1990, he became a Bridgeville police officer when he was 25 years old. He was promoted to sergeant in 1996.

“I love the community,” James said. “I love the officers I work with. We have a great police department with a great group of men.”

James succeeds Chad King, who retired in January after 26 years with Bridgeville. James was serving as officer-in-charge during the transition and was one of 11 applicants for the job, said Manager Joe Kauer.

James’ salary is to be determined, Kauer said.

James said one of his priorities is being out and about in the community.

“I look forward to us to continue to reach out to members in the community,” he said. “They are our partners and the reason we do what we do.”

He personally plans to meet with residents and business owners and wants to coordinate a meet-and-greet with himself and Mayor Betty Copeland for people to voice their opinions and offer feedback to the police department.

Copeland said she likes that James is interested in supporting youth and wants to be involved in the community.

“He’s been here for 35 years, so he really knows what the community needs,” she said.

Bridgeville has eight full-time officers and is authorized to hire a ninth, James said.

“The officers are in full support of it,” Copeland said of James’ promotion. “We are thankful he was selected.”