Dunmore Police Chief Sal Marchese retired this week, concluding a 36-year career at the department that included 13 years as chief.
Marchese gathered Thursday at police headquarters to celebrate his nearly four decades of service to the department. He smiled at a lunch with co-workers, family and friends as he posed for photos amid golden balloons in the shape of the number 36.
Marchese informed the borough of his intent to retire last month, Mayor Max Conway said. Police Capt. Richard Barth was named acting police chief following several interviews, Conway said.
“We’ll be conducting a wider search over the next couple months,” he said.
Long, valued career
Marchese became acting chief in February 2013 after Police Chief Patrick Reese resigned, according to Times-Tribune archives. He rose through the department’s ranks from patrolman to sergeant and became a captain prior to his appointment. In March 2013, borough council unanimously voted him into the permanent position.
The borough was fortunate to have a chief in place for decades, Conway said.
“There’s been a lot of continuity. He knew the people and places of the town so well,” Conway said. “The borough thanks him for his commitment, and his retirement is well deserved. It’s not an easy job.”
A post announcing Marchese’s retirement on the department’s Facebook page received more than 100 congratulatory messages expressing gratitude for his service and wishing him well.