Murrysville promotes new police captain, detective-sergeant

Tom Kusinsky has averaged about seven years between promotions at the Murrysville Police Department since joining it in the spring of 2005, working his way up the ranks from a patrolman to his promotion this week as captain and second-in-command of the department.

“And now I’ve got about seven years left,” Kusinsky said with a laugh at the swearing-in ceremony, held at the Murrysville municipal building.

Kusinsky was promoted from his previous rank as detective-sergeant. That spot was filled by Daniel Cox, who joined the department in 2013.

“We’re so fortunate to work for the Murrysville Police Department,” Cox said. “I’m really glad to be a part of it.”

Kusinsky’s role — as the department’s lead firearms instructor, certified patrol rifle educator and instructor for the Advanced Law Enforcement Response Team and Civilian Response to Active Shooter programs — holds special importance for Chief Tom Seefeld.

“He was my first hire after I came here,” Seefeld said. “We have a lot of young officers, and he’s helped to bring them along and get them situated here in the department.”

Seefeld said Kusinsky also brought extensive experience in emergency medical care with him when he began working in law enforcement.

“Tom has a very high level of medical training from working with Mutual Aid Ambulance, and he’s brought a lot of that to the department,” Seefeld said.

While Cox is stepping into Kusinsky’s old role, Kusinsky replaces former Capt. Chuck Tappe, whose retirement was official as of June 1.

“Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to do public service,” Kusinsky said. “To the guys I work with, the thing I have to tell is: I’m here for you. I’ll never forget where I came from. You guys are the most important thing when I walk in that door, and it’ll stay that way until I walk out that door.”

Seefeld said he and Kusinsky share the same passion for the job.

“It’s our calling in life. We don’t clock in and out. It’s a 24-7 thing,” he said. “We share that passion, and you kind of have to at the upper administrative level. You breathe, eat and sleep this job.”