Newtown Twp. Promotes, Recognizes Several Officers

File photo.
Credit: Chris English/NewtownPANow.com

The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors hosted the swearing-in of a new police officer and the promotion of four existing officials from the Newtown Township Police Department on Wednesday evening.

The officers were sworn to their new roles by District Judge Mick Petrucci.

Prior to the supervisors’ meeting, several officers were honored with commendation awards, highlighting their exemplary services.

In addition, a few officers were recognized for reaching significant milestones in their years of service to the community.

The department expressed its pride and joy in a statement following the ceremony.

“Please join us in congratulating all of the officers for their achievements,” they shared.

Below is information from the police department:

New Hire

Police Officer Robert Gergal graduated from Neshaminy High School in 2018 and obtained an Associate’s Degree (Criminal Justice) from Bucks County Community College in 2020. Bob graduated from the Temple Police Academy in October 2021 and has been employed as a part-time police officer with the Yardley Borough Police Department since September 2022. Robert Gergal comes highly recommended and appears to be well-suited for employment within the Newtown Township Police Department.

Officer Robert Gergal being sworn in.
Credit: Newtown Township police

Promotions

Lt. Jason Harris was hired by Newtown Township as a police officer in January 2003 and has served over twenty years with this department. He previously served as a Newtown Borough officer prior to joining Newtown Township from 1991-2003. In 2004, Jason received his first promotion to Detective, followed by Corporal in 2013, serving in patrol and then detectives. In 2017 he was promoted to Sergeant overseeing criminal investigations and the detective division, followed by being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2018, and has excelled at that position. At that time, he also briefly served as the township “Interim” Police Chief while a search was conducted for the new Police Chief. Jason is certified in Emergency Management, Fire Investigations, and Fire & Rescue operations. He is both an EMT and Hazmat Operations certified. Jason is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development (LEEDA) program. Jason is married to his wife Teresa and their four children. He was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Lt. Jason Harris taking the oath.
Credit: Newtown Township police

Sgt. Christian Joseph, was hired by Newtown Township as a police officer in February 2006 and has served over seventeen years of service with the Newtown Township Police Dept. Chris previously worked as a police officer for Northampton Township Police Department from 2002 to 2006. He was also previously a part-time in New Hope Borough. Chris was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2012, and then Sergeant in 2017, serving all those years in the Patrol division. Chris is certified as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Honor Guard member, Basic Accident Investigations. He has a Master’s Degree and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command, and the FBI-LEEDA Program. Chris is married to his wife Kelly and has three children. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Sgt. Christian Joseph being sworn in.
Credit: Newtown Township police

Cpl. Paul Deppi, was hired as a Newtown Township Police Officer in October 1998. He was previously promoted to Corporal in 2012. Paul is a Field Training Officer, MIRT supervisor, certified Motor Carrier Safety Inspector, including Hazmat and School Bus certifications, International Police Mountain Bike trained, and a Baton instructor. Paul is an EMT, and the township’s coordinator for our Newtown’s Coffee w/ a Cop and Shop w/ a Cop community programs. Paul is also a graduate of Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command. Paul is married to his wife Bethany and has three children. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Cpl. Paul Deppi taking the oath.
Credit: Newtown Township police

Officer Thomas Rawa was hired as a Newtown Township Police Officer in January 2002. He previously served as a Newtown Borough officer prior to joining Newtown Township from 1999 to 2002. Tom is a Field Training Officer and has provided the necessary critical training to all of the most recently hired new police officers of this department. Tom has an Associate degree from Montgomery County Community College. Tom always has a sense of humor and dedication to serving this community. Tom is married to his wife Christie and has three children. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Officer Thomas Rawa being sworn in.
Credit: Newtown Township police

Special Commendations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives via State Rep. Kristen Marcell:

Sgt. Dan Bartle – Sept 24, 2022 – Life Saving
Cpl. Paul Deppi – Sept 24, 2022 – Life Saving
Det. Joe Camp – July 6, 2022 – Courage / Exceptional actions
Lt. Jason Harris – July 6, 2022 – Courage / Exceptional actions
Det. Nick Moffett – July 6, 2022 – Courage / Exceptional actions
Officer Brett Helvig – March 25, 2022 – Exemplary actions
Officer Brent Helvig – 2022 – Removing Impaired Drivers
Cpl. Tim Keegan – 25 Years of Service (2022)
Sgt. Lupinetti – 25 Years of Service (2022)
Officer Shane VanDerMark – 25 Years of Service (2022)
Amanda Pell – Extraordinary Efforts – Grants
Officer Brandon Turpyn – Extraordinary Efforts – Grants

Other Commendations:

Letters of Commendation;

Officer Lauren Mistic – Jan 31, 2023 – Exceptional Investigation/Arrest of Man with Gun
Officer Brian Nolan – Jan 31, 2023 – Exceptional Investigation/Arrest of Man with Gun
Detective Cpl. Joseph Camp – Sept 6, 2021 – Exceptional Investigation/Arrest of Sexual Assault of Child Offender

Life Saving