Politics & Government

Residents Question Role of New Dormont Police Chief

Concerns were raised over why he can't patrol borough roads.

Questions about who oversees police department and the role of its new administrative police chief were brought up again during Monday night’s borough council meeting.

More than 100 residents attended Monday night’s workshop meeting and many demanded to know why new administrative police is not patrolling the roads. The crowd was so large the meeting was moved into the borough gymnasium next to the municipal building.

Councilwoman Joan Hodson wanted to know why borough Manager Gino Rizza was given the authority to overturn a seven-day suspension of Dwyer initiated by Mayor Tom Lloyd on Aug. 22. Four members of council apparently signed a letter on Aug. 1 authorizing Rizza with that authority while never officially voting on the matter.

Find out what's happening in Dormont-Brooklinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“What the heck happened here?” Hodson asked the other council members. “I don’t know what to ask anymore. This is ridiculous.”

Lloyd suspended Dwyer on Aug. 22 because he said the police chief left the borough without police patrols for a period of time. Rizza reinstated him the following day because he said as administrative acting chief, Dwyer does not fall under the same rules.

Find out what's happening in Dormont-Brooklinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

But Hodson and other residents asked why Dwyer has a badge, business cards and official letterhead that states he is the chief. They also questioned why he is not permitted to patrol borough roads.

“There is a lot of contradictions up here and you better get your act together,” Hodson said.

As the workshop meeting began winding down, other residents demanded answers about the administrative chief’s role. When the meeting moved, many in the audience began shouting and continued to demand an answer.

Council President Kim Lusardi then abruptly called the workshop meeting to a close as residents protested her decision.

Also during the meeting…

  • Initial plans to hire Gregor Saulsbery as the new assistant borough manager were thwarted when some residents questioned why the council is not requesting applications for the position. Assistant Manager Ian McMeans is leaving and the borough needs to find a replacement, although some residents think the position should be left vacant. The council decided it will vote next week on whether to advertise the position.
  • Council plans to vote next week on a motion to formally appeal the Civil Service Commission’s reinstatement of former police Chief Phil Ross. Solicitor Deron Gabriel said council does not need to vote on the measure, but the governing body decided it would be best to let the public know how it stands on the issue.
  • Council is expected to vote next week on whether to renew the contract with Judy’s Concessions to provide food and drinks at .


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here