Cranberry Township swears in new police chief, supervisor
CRANBERRY TWP — In his first weeks at the helm of the township’s police department, Ken Ruckel is learning the ins and outs of the job while settling into his daily responsibilities.
“I’m kind of stepping back and taking a look at everything from a higher altitude,” he said. “Just trying to see if there’s changes that are in order or if the current practices are the best practices.”
Although he began his tenure in early December, Ruckel was officially sworn in as the township’s new police chief by District Judge Kevin Flaherty during a reorganization meeting on Monday, Jan. 5.
Ruckel takes over for longtime chief Kevin Meyer, who retired at the end of last year after 10 years at the head of the agency.
“It feels really good,” Ruckel said. “I think that we’ve been making progress here over the past few weeks. I look forward to continuing to work with the officers and making the department even better.”
Ruckel served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1994 to 2002, working as an air transportation specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from La Roche College and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
He started as a patrol officer in Hanover Township and Mount Oliver before joining the Allegheny County Police Department and later moving into investigative work as a detective in both the general investigations and homicide units.
After being promoted to lieutenant, Ruckel oversaw the Allegheny County Police presence at Pittsburgh International Airport and most recently led the administration and patrol divisions at the county’s headquarters.
Meanwhile, Anthony Bertolino was sworn in as the board’s newest member after being selected by the other four supervisors in early December.
Bertolino fills the vacant seat left by Mike Manipole, who stepped down in early December after 16 years on the board. His term will run through Jan. 2, 2028.
Longtime Supervisor Bruce Hezlep took the oath of office again after narrowly winning reelection in November. He was also unanimously reelected as board chairman after serving in the same role last year.
Supervisor Karen Newpol, meanwhile, was unanimously elected as vice chairwoman. Newpol was first appointed in 2022 after the death of Dick Hadley before being elected to a six-year term in November 2023.
In addition, Dan Santoro was reappointed as township manager through the next reorganization meeting in 2027.
“I’m honored that the board is giving me the opportunity to serve the community and the board for another year,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
