West Leechburg police chief retires after 32 years with department

West Leechburg police Chief George Lebetz has retired after more than three decades with the department, including the past four years as chief.

“It was a bunch of things, little things, that added up to a good career,” said Lebetz.

“Everything from helping different people, especially kids, and talking with kids. And putting some people into jail was a part of the job, too,” Lebetz added. “Just like all jobs. Some good days and some bad days.”

Among some of the more memorable incidents, Lebetz was a sergeant in 2007 when police found more than 500 marijuana plants in a man’s Third Avenue home.

“The stuff was in every room of the house except the bathroom,” Lebetz said at the time.

At a hearing, the suspect argued that the marijuana plants were for his personal use. That claim drew the attention of comedian Jay Leno, who joked about it on his late-night talk show. The suspect was ultimately sentenced to probation and a period of house arrest.

Last February, thieves took money, a handgun, credit cards and other items from 17 cars in the borough. Years before, a borough man set his home on fire and shot himself to death.