Bel Air Police Chief Passed Away

Bel Air Chief of Police Leo F. Matrangola died Sunday, July 12, according to a statement from the Bel Air Police Department.

Matrangola served as chief from April 1, 1991, to July 3, 2015. During that time, he helped provide “consistent and professional police service to the people of Bel Air,” the statement said.

Prior to coming to Bel Air, Matrangola spent 21 years with the Baltimore County Police Department, where he retired as a lieutenant.

Funeral services will be private, according to the department. There will be a memorial in August.

Condolences began pouring out with the news of the chief’s passing.

“Leo wasn’t just a colleague in the field of public safety but also a very great friend to the BAVFC over his 24 years of service as chief. He will be sadly missed,” Rich Gardiner of the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company said.

“Leo was a leader, a mentor and a friend,” Bel Air Director of Administration Michael Krantz said. “His legacy will live on.”

Among the chief’s legacies are the department’s participation in a countywide drug task force, The Dagger reported.

Matrangola “went before his time” and “leaves some big shoes to fill,” Bel Air Town Administrator Jesse Bane told The Dagger.

Bane, who was previously the Harford County Sheriff, said that the chief had planned to retire in December but due to an unspecified health condition retired July 3 upon ceasing medical treatment, The Dagger reported.

Matrangola took medical leave in October 2014 for an unspecified illness.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Major Jack Meckley stepped in to lead the department last fall until the town named Deputy Chief Richard Pesche acting chief in early July, according to The Aegis.

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Photo Credit: Bel Air Police Department.