Katrina Blackwell has been named by Chester City Council as the city’s new police commissioner after serving as interim commissioner for almost a year, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.
Blackwell was sworn in on Wednesday.
She was appointed in January as interim commissioner after former Commissioner Steven Gretzky retired during an investigation into a police vehicle crash.
Katrina Blackwell “has proven herself to be a steady, thoughtful, and courageous leader,” said Chester Mayor Stefan Roots in a statement.
He described her story as Chester’s story, “rooted here, tested here, and now leading here.”
“She has earned the confidence of her officers, this administration, and our residents through her integrity, her work ethic, and her deep commitment to community-oriented policing,” Roots said.
Blackwell is a lifelong Chester resident who attended the Delaware County Municipal Police Academy in 2004. She became a patrol officer with the Chester Police Department, rising over two decades to the rank of major.
Blackwell oversaw the department’s continuation of anti-gun violence initiatives.
“I look forward to working hand-in-hand with residents, community organizations, and our regional partners to strengthen trust, reduce crime, and ensure that every person in Chester feels safe and respected.”
Read more about Katrina Blackwell’s rise to police commissioner in Chester at WHYY.
