Retiring Pottsville police chief discusses years of service, new career

Oct. 18—POTTSVILLE — After a career with the Pottsville Bureau of Police that spanned more than three decades, Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky will turn in his badge Friday to pursue a new career path.

On Oct. 31, Wojciechowsky will assume the duties of executive director of the Schuylkill Hope Center, formerly known as Schuylkill Women In Crisis.

With the Schuylkill Hope Center's focus on victims of domestic abuse, Wojciechowsky said he hopes his career in law enforcement will benefit the center as well as its clients.

With Pottsville police, Wojciechowsky said he has worked with domestic abuse victims for more than 30 years, in addition to assisting victims of other types of crimes, ranging from homicides to summary offenses, as well as their families.

Now, Wojciechowsky said, he will be able to concentrate his focus on domestic abuse and work with Hope Center personnel in providing a feeling of safety, empowerment and new beginnings for domestic abuse victims.

He also plans to help what he feels is "a fantastic existing staff" at Hope Center to increase awareness and programs directed at high school and college age students; expand the agency's footprint in Schuylkill County; enhance existing services provided; and find new methods of providing financial support for the nonprofit agency.

He explained that SWIC recently changed its name to the Schuylkill Hope Center to better symbolize its inclusivity for all victims who are affected by domestic violence. He wants to increase the awareness of that name change.

Wojciechowsky said working with Schuylkill Hope Center will just be another opportunity for him to serve the people of Pottsville and Schuylkill County beyond the way he has for 31 years in law enforcement.

"There's nothing more rewarding in law enforcement than seeing a positive outcome to a negative situation, and this new road allows me to continue doing that," he said.

Wojciechowsky, 53, began his career with the Pottsville Bureau of Police with an internship in 1991. Later that year he was hired as a patrolman under then-Police Chief Dale Repp.

He quickly moved up the ranks to patrol corporal and sergeant, then lieutenant-in-charge of the Drug Investigation Unit, captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit and, finally, to chief in 2013, replacing the late Joseph H. Murton V.

Looking back on his career, Wojciechowsky said he made the right decision choosing law enforcement as his life's path and is thankful that path led to the Pottsville Bureau of Police.

"I have no regrets at all," the chief said Monday sitting at his desk on the second floor of City Hall, one of the last days he will do so. "Overall, it's been amazingly rewarding."

The chief said he will miss working with the professional and "solid" members of the Pottsville Bureau of Police.

"Looking back, 31 years is a long time to be in law enforcement. I have always felt fortunate to work with our department and stayed for my career by choice, not need," he said. "The timing was right for this new endeavor and, again, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to begin a journey with Hope Center."

Over the years, Wojciechowsky said, police officers and departments in general have had to adapt to many changes — society, laws, training and best practices.

"Law enforcement in our city, and throughout our county, is very talented. Officers adapt and overcome obstacles, just as everyone else does in their personal lives and occupations," he said.

The Pottsville Bureau of Police has done that and will continue to do that in the future.

"We have a very solid group of experienced leaders ready to accept and succeed in new roles, and an immensely talented and strong group of younger officers," he said, adding that the entire roster shares a common goal to protect and serve the citizens at the highest level possible.

Wojciechowsky said his long career in law enforcement would not have been possible if not for the mentors he has worked with through the years.

"There are many officers who played a part in helping me become a better officer in many diverse ways. I remember and appreciate all of them," he said.

When asked if any case he has worked on over the 30-plus years stands out, Wojciechowsky said every case is and was equally important because each included victims who both needed and deserved justice.

"Talking about specific cases that are generally referred to as 'major cases' simply brings back bad memories for those involved and I don't want to do that," Wojciechowsky said.

"I think about all the times I had the opportunity to just help someone, people I knew in one way or another from my family and I being lifelong residents of the city, those are the best things I was able to accomplish," he said.

Wojciechowsky said he believes the department has improved in many ways while he has been chief, becoming an entity even more skilled and well trained than ever before.

"So much of what we do that makes a lasting impression on people and a positive difference in the community is separate from what are the Xs and Os of police work," the chief said, adding that in no way is it any less important.

He also said any changes that have been instituted and evolved as he has been chief have been a successful group effort between the leadership and rank-and-file members of the department.

"Again, I consider myself so lucky to have worked with dedicated and talented officers throughout my entire career," he said.

Wojciechowsky said he is "absolutely confident" the department will continue to improve and move forward in a positive direction.

"I'm going to enjoy watching the officers and the department continue to get better," he said.

The chief also made it a point to say that his retirement is in no way connected to any recent or future changes in city government.

"Mayor (John) Reiley and Mayor (James) Muldowney were super partners to me and our department. And Mayor (Dave) Clews has continued that practice and is great to work with as well," he said.

Throughout his 31 years, Wojciechowsky said he hopes his decisions as an officer and later as police chief have helped to mold the department into what it is today.

"As a whole you want to leave something better than the way you found it. I think I've done that and I leave proud of my career in law enforcement," he said.