Irwin promotes acting chief to top spot

In an expected move, Irwin Council named the borough’s acting police chief as the new leader of the police department.

Sgt. Daniel Wensel, who was named acting chief on Aug. 20 when former chief Roger Pivirotto resigned, was hired Wednesday by a unanimous vote. Wensel will continue to serve as acting chief until Dec. 3, the day after Pivirotto’s contract expires, said council President Rick Burdelski.

Wensel, a 20-year veteran of Irwin’s police force, “has done a fantastic job” since council named him the acting chief, Burdelski said. Other council members also praised Wensel.

In his new role as chief, Wensel said he wants to implement community-oriented policing, getting officers back into the downtown district and neighborhoods.

“I want to reach out to the community in that way,” Wensel said.

The acting chief’s currently salary is about $27 an hour, which includes a 3% pay raise for his interim role. Council did not vote on a salary for his position as chief.

Wensel has had previous administrative duty as the leader of the police department. He said he had served as the borough’s acting police chief for almost two years before council hired Pivirotto, a retired state police commander, in October 2013. Pivirotto succeeded Joseph Pocatsko, who resigned in February 2013.

Prior to taking the job at Irwin, Wensel was a police officer in McKeesport for five years.

Since being named acting chief, Wensel has increased police presence in the downtown, which Burdelski said council had wanted.

The borough has three fulltime officers. The process for hiring another full-time officer has not yet begun, said Shari Martino, borough manager.