Farrell police chief passing the baton
Dec. 20—FARRELL — Farrell police Chief Chuck Rubano is leaving the position on a great note.
"I've had a really fun career," Rubano said. "It's going to be hard leaving law enforcement because I love it."
Rubano rose through the ranks, first at the former Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department in January 1996 to chief at Farrell Police Department in July 2022. He believes he is the oldest police officer in the county at age 64.
The best feeling he had as a police officer is when he and another officer caught a bank robber running away from the former First National Bank in Farrell a few years ago.
"That was the highlight of catching a robber," Rubano said. "Every cop wants to catch a bank robber with the money bag, with the dollar sign. That was pretty cool."
Rubano was also honored by the state Attorney General for work he did with narcotics. He received an award of excellence for outstanding service to the citizens of Pennsylvania in 2008.
The body cameras were ordered by his predecessor, Jon Rococi, and implemented during Rubano's tenure. When an arrest with a resisting suspect made national news, Rubano was relieved to have the body cameras.
"I'm glad we had cameras because it's a totally different view," Rubano said.
Rubano has had a job since he was 12. He was a paper boy with The Herald. As a lifelong Farrell resident, his route was in the city. He delivered papers to residents of Indiana, Norris and Park avenues and Sharon-New Castle Road.
"It was good at Christmastime because all the people on my route gave me gifts," Rubano said.
He's ready for a break, but unsure of his next steps.
"I haven't really decided," Rubano said. "My wife wants me to take six months off to gather my thoughts."
Rubano's last day as Farrell's police chief will be Dec. 31. While he is celebrating, his replacement, Sgt. Erick Gatewood, will be working as the new police chief.
Gatewood started parttime when the department was Southwest in 2006 and was promoted to fulltime three years later. His latest promotion before chief was sergeant.
Gatewood's main objective is recruitment and retention of officers.
Gatewood will be the head of the department with a total of 12 officers. The department is approved for 15 officers — including two detectives.
"We are hurting manpower-wise real bad," Rubano said. "At one point this year we had two on sick leave and then two quit to go to other departments."
The department plans on using grant money to attract more people.
Until then, Gatewood will be working Jan. 1 while Rubano is marking his departure.
"Favorite day to work. I'll be out working," Gatewood said.
"I'll be celebrating," Rubano said.
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com
