Penn Hills appoints new police chief

Penn Hills has a new police chief following the end of Howard Burton’s contract.

The municipality announced in a press release the appointment of Sgt. Ronald Como as the new Penn Hills police chief. Burton’s contract ended Dec. 31. Burton was with the police department for over 50 years, serving as chief since 1991.

Penn Hills manager Scott Andrejchak said Como was highly qualified to be the new chief and his appointment received unanimous consent from Mayor Pauline Calabrese and the council.

“He is approachable, he is a resident and is well regarded in the law enforcement community,” Andrejchak said.

Calabrese said in a press release Como’s knowledge of safety experience and community-oriented mentality for the job made him an ideal choice.

“I have no doubt that he will continue to serve Penn Hills with distinction and be a valued part of Penn Hills leadership team and executive staff,” she said.

The journey to appointing a new police chief took some time.

A special meeting was held on Oct. 18 to vote on a proposal to approve a separation agreement between Penn Hills and its police Chief Howard Burton and name Lt. Robert Myers as his replacement. An injunction filed in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas granted to postpone voting on the matter. The scheduled special meeting was canceled after three council members said they were sick.

During a special, nonvoting meeting held on Oct. 25, the separation agreement was discussed.

The Nov. 15 meeting would leave the police chief position up in the air after council did not vote on the separation agreement or on whether Myers would become Burton’s replacement.

Como has been a part of the Penn Hills police department for 25 years.

He is a two-time recipient of the Sen. John Heinz Law Enforcement Award for exemplary service above and beyond the call of duty while serving in Penn Hills.

Como said he looks forward to moving the department forward. He wants to help the community out as best as he can.

“The community is so outgoing and helpful with others. I want to make the police department a part of that,” he said.