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New Police Chief Officially Sworn In
City also promotes deputy fire chief, FD captain
By Tom Leturgey
The Tube City Almanac
July 06, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
New McKeesport police Chief Josh Alfer shares a laugh with Senior Magisterial District Judge Thomas Brletic, a former police chief. (Thomas Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
Four former McKeesport police chiefs were in attendance Wednesday night when Josh Alfer officially sworn into office as the newest.
Alfer, a city native who has been with the department since 2006, had been serving as acting police chief since former chief Mark Steele retired in January. He had previously served as assistant police chief and as a lieutenant.
The new chief was sworn in by his father-in-law, Senior Magisterial District Judge Thomas S. Brletic. Brletic — himself a former McKeesport police chief — gave Alfer his badge with instructions, “Don’t tarnish it.”
The badge promptly fell to the floor. “I meant ‘don’t bring shame to it’,” Brletic added, to laughter.
“This is a great moment,” McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “People have no idea what the police chief does.” He said Alfer has been very patient since taking the job and “the training wheels weren’t on too long.” He boasted of Alfer’s integrity and confidence.
Cherepko noted that there have been more than 300 police officers who have served the city, “and there have only been 17 chiefs. And four are in attendance.”
Also in attendance was District Judge Eugene Riazzi, a former chief of detectives in the McKeesport department.
Alfer was sworn in shortly after city council voted to approve his permanent appointment.
Cherepko said that the McKeesport Police Department remains in good hands with Alfer, Assistant Chief Sidney Summers and Nick Matthews, among others. He said they are “respected and make a better police department.”
McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko introduces new police officers Robert Roach and John McFadden to city council and residents. Also shown is newly appointed Police Chief Josh Alfer. (Thomas Leturgey photo for Tube City Almanac)
At the same meeting, two new police officers — Robert Roach of Glenshaw and John McFadden from Harrisville, Butler County — were introduced to council.
In other business, Cherepko introduced new city fire Captain Tom Harden and new Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Schmidt.
The mayor said he and other elected officials and leaders continue to talk with Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation about its recent decision to cut ties with the McKeesport Area School District.
“Dick’s still wants to serve the community,” the mayor continued. He predicted that the foundation would support youth activities in McKeesport in some capacity. “It will be as successful as we can make it.”
Originally published July 06, 2025.
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