Yeadon Borough has a new police named Henry Giammarco Jr., writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

A former member of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s protection detail while he was attorney general, Giammarco was sworn in Jan. 31.

He was selected from more than 40 applicants during a year of litigation, infighting among borough officials, and the deaths of two people in police custody.

Giammarco said he was aware of disagreements in Yeadon’s government over the police chief position but said he doesn’t want to get involved in the politics because he reports to the community.

That’s what borough officials liked about him.

He came into Yeadon while still in the interview process and introduced himself to local business owners, said Council President Sharon Council-Harris.

“So in other words, he went the extra mile. He demonstrated what community policing is like.”

Giammarco said he has a strong desire to get police officers out of their cars and walking in the community.

 In February 2022, borough council members voted 4-3 to remove the previous police chief, Anthony “Chachi” Paparo over part-time hiring practices.  Some borough officials charged that Paparo was released because he was White.

Paparo sued the borough in March 2022 after his removal.

Read more about Henry Giammarco Jr. at WHYY.