Kevin Meyer

CRANBERRY TWP — The board of supervisors at a meeting Thursday night officially promoted Kevin Meyer to chief of police, a position that hasn't been in existence in Cranberry for more than 15 years.

Manager Jerry Andree said township officials recently decided to add the chief of police position because the police department has grown drastically in recent years in terms of size and responsibility.

The police department, which now has nearly 30 officers, has been without a chief since Cranberry created a public safety department more than 15 years ago.

The supervisors held a brief ceremony for Meyer Thursday night and welcomed their new chief.

Meyer, who's been with the department since 1996, had family and several officers in attendance for the occasion.

“This wouldn't be possible without the support of everyone in this room,” he said with a smile.

The new chief especially thanked Andree and Jeff Schueler, the township's director of public safety.

He said the decision to bring back the chief's position was a long time coming, and that he's proud to serve Cranberry in the new capacity.

“This is a good thing for the department and the community as a whole,” he said later, citing the department's growth.

Andree said promoting Meyer was the right move because officials have wanted for years to restructure the department.

“It's a good move because it's the right time for the department,” Andree said. “Our department is growing in complexity and responsibility and it's time we established the chief's position.”

There won't be any need for an official swearing-in ceremony or for paperwork to be filed with the state, Andree said. All it took was the vote from the board that took place Thursday night.

“He's officially our top cop now,” Andree said.

Meyer will receive an annual salary of $99,800.