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By STEVE MOCARSKY smocarsky@leader.net
Wednesday, March 05, 2003 Page: 5A
Mayor Lou Barletta announced Tuesday that veteran police officer Sgt. Mike
Strenchock will replace Ed Harry as chief of police effective March 28.
After 22 years with the Hazleton police department, Harry was one of four
city employees to accept a retirement incentive the administration offered
last month to ease the city’s financial problems.
Harry is eligible for the maximum police pension and said retiring is “a
purely financial decision in taking care of (his) family.” He dispelled
rumors that he might run for City Council, saying there is “no chance” he
will seek political office.
Barletta said he consulted Harry about his replacement, but the decision
was easy because Strenchock had been Harry’s “right-hand man” since Barletta
appointed Harry chief in January 2000.
Harry said Strenchock’s familiarity with the department and the fact that
he’s “well respected” by his fellow officers will make for a “seamless
transition.”
Strenchock said he plans to continue running the department as it was by
Harry and does not foresee hiring additional officers. He said there might be
personnel changes and a change in the department’s rank structure because of
possible layoffs or a reduction in personnel hours proposed by the
administration.
“(The city) will be patrolled to the best of our ability with the
personnel we have. As for the layoffs, nothing is set in stone yet so we
really don’t know and I’m not going to speculate.”
Strenchock started his law enforcement career with the Hazleton police 17
years ago. He was promoted to corporal in 1995 and sergeant in 1998. He is a
Hazleton High School graduate and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
and an administration degree from Mansfield University. He is a field training
officer and a member of the department’s special operations group.
Steve Mocarsky, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 459-2005.