News

November 7

Wyoming’s former chief enjoys quiet retirement

Bill Ragantesi left the force last month after 38 years of service. He says job mostly common sense.

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.com
Business Writer
Jerry Lynott on Facebook   |   @TLJerryLynott on Twitter

WYOMING – At some point Bill Ragantesi will get around to telling people he’s no longer chief of police in the borough.

He retired last month after 38 years on the force and served as chief since 2004.

“A lot of people don’t even know I’m retired,” he said Sunday at his house.

It’s easy to understand why they’re in the dark; Ragantesi doesn’t say much about himself.

“I started part-time in ’73,” he said.

He was 32 at the time he became a patrolman. In 1975, he joined the force as a full-time officer.

He was well suited for the job. “It’s just basically common sense,” he said.

Ragantesi served under former chiefs Bernie and John Gilligan. He was assistant chief under John Gilligan. When Gilligan retired, Ragantesi was named chief.

Ragantesi said he has served the people of Wyoming well; always trying to be fair and honest with them, and helping them out the best way he could.

Only out of the office since Oct. 1, Ragantesi said he’ll miss the people and the job.

But it’s time to move on and maybe try to find another trophy buck to mount on his wall or another gobbler to match the one he has in house for his grandchildren to climb on.

He and his wife, Karen, have three children, Billy, Mark and Amy; and seven grandkids.

No longer on patrol or in the office, Ragantesi said he will enjoy spending time with his grandchildren.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

Send Question or Remark to the Publisher

This story also appears on the following websites...