In his 38 years patrolling Parks Township, Chief Douglas Ciuca has just about seen it all.
Tasked with helping to keep law and order in the township’s 14 square miles, Ciuca has responded to calls ranging from quirky to tragic.
His most difficult moment?
“Finding an infant, alive and unharmed, under a crib at the scene of a homicide,” Ciuca said. “The rest of the victims were victims of homicide, and my concern was, ‘What is in the future of this poor child?’ ”
Ciuca, 64, is set to retire Feb. 15, his last day of active duty with the Parks Township Police Department.
He has served his entire law enforcement career with the township.
Ciuca grew up in Kepple Hill and graduated from Kiski Area High School in 1975 and, later, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy.
“A proud moment was when my mother pinned the chief insignia on my collar,” Ciuca said.
Parks Township police officer John Arce has worked with Ciuca for more than 20 years.
Arce said Ciuca leaves “big shoes to fill” after he retires his badge.
“Chief is going to be missed, and I wish him nothing but the best with his retirement,” Arce said. “The wealth and knowledge of experience that Chief Ciuca has, there’s no words for. He’s taught me a lot the past 20 years.”
Arce will serve as sergeant in charge of the department until a new chief is appointed.
Ciuca said, over years of patrolling in rural Parks Township, responding to animal calls isn’t unusual.
“A flock of farmer’s sheep had gotten out and was walking down the road,” Ciuca said. “I had to try to get them back to the area of the broken fence.”
Ciuca touts modern-day technology for making his work more efficient and aiding investigations but said his job is sometimes more challenging compared to when he was a rookie cop.
“The lack of respect for the law, not just the law enforcement officer, has made the job more dangerous,” Ciuca said.
As his retirement nears, Ciuca plans to spend plenty of time outside.
His main hobbies are freshwater fishing and hunting waterfowl, such as duck and geese.
He enjoys repairing old cars and is working on a 1973 Dodge Charger.
“I haven’t made my mind up yet,” Ciuca said of his exact plans after retirement. “I’m going to keep the door cracked open.”
Describing his home as “full of police-related stuff,” Ciuca said he’s not sure what to expect after retirement.
“I’m not sure how it will affect me when I look at it and realize I no longer work,” Ciuca said.
Ciuca said he has enjoyed serving the residents of the township.
“I am rewarded by the simple ‘thank you’ that I have received from people that I have helped,” he said. “Parks Township is a good place to reside and raise a family. Don’t be afraid to talk to each other. And how about bringing back the front porch?”
