Click here to subscribe today or Login.
KINGSTON — Richard J. Kotchik was officially sworn in as the new chief of the Kingston Police Department in a ceremony held at the Kingston Borough Municipal Building on Tuesday evening.
“I’d like to thank all of the Kingston council for believing ine me and giving me the opportunity to lead one of the most professional and proactive police departments in Luzerne County,” Kotchik said.
Kotchik was sworn in in front of friends, family, and numerous fellow police officers from both Kingston and Wilkes-Barre, as well as Mayor Paul J. Roberts Jr.
“I look forward along with the rest of the Kingston Police Department to continue to strive to provide the best police services to the community that we serve,” Kotchik said.
Kotchik’s wife and daughter were on hand to pin his new chief’s badge to his uniform.
Before his current promotion, Kotchik had served as a narcotics detective since 2005, and joined the department back in 1999.
Kotchik’s work in the field has earned him recognition from the Pennsylvania Narcotics Officers Association, and he’s worked with the FBI, Luzerne County District Attorney’s office and the state Attorney General.
He was officially announced as the new police chief on Aug. 30 in a press release sent out by the borough. In it, Roberts praised Kotchik’s record and ability as a detective.
