Middletown Township has a new top cop.
Joseph Bartorilla is expected to be appointed new police chief at Monday nights Board of Supervisors meeting. District Judge John Kelly is expected to administer the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony at the conclusion of the 7:30 p.m. board meeting.
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Bartorill, who served in the Philadelphia Police Department for years and achieved the rank of inspector, will start at a $120,000 per year salary, according to township officials.
“I am excited by this tremendous opportunity to lead what I believe is a great police department, and to make it excel even further. I look forward to a rich and rewarding career serving the citizens of Middletown Township,” Bartorilla said in a statement.
Bartorilla said he expects to “be out in the community from day one meeting and getting to know the citizens, business owners and visitors to the township.”
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Bartorilla has more than two decades of experience in law enforcement, according to township officials.
Bartorilla will bring more than twenty years of law enforcement experience with the Philadelphia Police Department to the position. His career has included 18 years of management and command experience, with his most recent position being Inspector. Bartorilla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and a Master of Administrative Science Degree, both from Fairleigh-Dickenson University. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute.
The township started their search for a new chief when former Chief James Kane announced his retirement in February. The board hired search consultants Safe City Solutions to lead their efforts to find a new chief.
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The township received 60 applications for the position. The consultants weeded through the 60 applications and had 13 of 15 semi-finalists send in video interviews and written questionnaires for township officials to review. From there, the field was narrowed down to the finalists, who were reviewed by township leaders.
“The process was extremely rigorous and was led by an impartial and unbiased professional search firm. I believe we have a fantastic candidate who will serve the police force and the community for years to come. Joe’s experience, command presence and organizational skills will insure that the Middletown Police Department continues to be one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state,” Board Chairman Pat Mallon said.
The 54-officer department that serves as the state’s 19th largest municipality is currently being led by Lt. Ken Mellus and Lt. John Michniewicz.
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Starting Monday, Bartorilla will begin work Monday in an administrative capacity and will take command following an expected appointment by the board, Township Manager Stephanie Teoli Kuhls said.
