Leet appoints police chief, promotes part-time officer to full time

Leet officials welcomed a familiar face as their new township police chief.

Commissioners voted 4-0 on April 8 to appoint Brian Jameson as the top cop. Commissioner Rody Nash was absent.

The Ambridge resident was hired on an interim basis Aug. 8, 2022. His starting interim chief wages were set at $30 per hour.

The new salary has not been finalized. The township commissioners voted in December to set the annual salary at $87,000, according to meeting minutes.

But Township Manager Betsy Rengers said that was for budgetary purposes and does not reflect what Jameson may be paid now that he is the permanent police chief.

Commissioners President Martin McDaniel said more than 20 people applied for the job and three were interviewed.

“We had a fairly extensive search,” McDaniel said. “They all met the qualifications. They were strong candidates. We felt Brian has been with us for over a year and a half and he met all the qualifications.

“He’s done a tremendous job since he’s been here. He’s gotten us grant money for equipment and training. I think he is well-trained, well-spoken; he has the respect of his officers and will be a good mentor for the younger officers.”

Commissioner Donna Adipietro echoed those comments and how “the entire board is excited for the future.”

There were multiple family members in attendance when Jameson, 52, was sworn in by Sewickley area District Judge Giuseppe Rosselli.

“It’s exciting,” Jameson said. “It’s a proud moment for everyone in the family and myself.”

Some of the changes in the department since Jameson took over a couple years ago include a new management system for recording complaints, citations and other reports.

Jameson said it makes it easier for officers to fill out and track information more accurately.

The system was paid for through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The department updated its firearms regulations, too. Officers all use a township-issued duty weapon with red dot sites.

Jameson said previous policy let police use their personal handguns.

The Leet commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2023 Ford Explorer for the police department earlier this year. The vehicle is from Laurel Auto Group in Cambria County.

Cost was estimated at $38,000 and it may be ready for township patrols within the next few weeks.

“Everything that we wanted to start changing we already have,” Jameson said. “We had full support to do that.”

Meet the new patrolman

Jameson also has additional support in the form of a promoted patrolman.

John Adams, 25, of Aliquippa was moved to a full-time position April 8.

He had been with the department as a part-time officer since August 2023.

Adams’ new salary is $53,373.

McDaniel said he interviewed Adams and he came off very personable and intelligent.