Scott Twp. appoints
Lt. Ganz acting chief
SCOTT TWP. - Minutes after confirming the suspension of township Police Chief James Romano without pay, supervisors on Thursday appointed a longtime township officer as acting chief of police.
Supervisors voted 2-0 to appoint Lt. Jared Ganz as the acting chief at a pay rate of $26.06 per hour.
Supervisor Michael Giannetta was absent.
Acting Police Chief Ganz, a township police officer since 1997, has served as the Scott Twp.'s officer-in-charge since supervisors suspended Chief Romano on March 18, when officials learned there was an active investigation involving him.
On April 24, the state attorney general's announced Chief Romano faces charges for having sex with a 20-year-old woman who was a witness in a sexual assault case that he was investigating.
They charged Chief Romano with two counts related to intimidating a witness and one count of obstructing justice.
Later that day, supervisors suspended Chief Romano without pay. His annual salary is $52,624.
In the nearly two months since he has been in charge, the Police Department "seems like it's moving along a lot better, a lot smoother, with less turmoil," Supervisor Ed Hlavaty said.
"Hopefully, when this all settles out, it could become a permanent position for him," he said.
Supervisor Dave Makala echoed Mr. Hlavaty's points, saying Chief Ganz has taken a leadership role within the department and commands the respect of the other officers.
"If it weren't for you, we would be in trouble," Mr. Makala said, addressing Chief Ganz.
For now, Chief Ganz said he wants the township police officers to "serve the community with pride," and plans to increase the department's involvement in the township.
"I want to establish a strong police presence in the community," he said.
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