Bel Air Police Chief Reportedly Takes Medical Leave

For the next few months, a new man will reportedly be at the helm of the Bel Air Police Department. Bel Air Chief of Police Leo Matrangola is on medical leave as of Wednesday, Oct. 29, an absence which will last two to three months, according to The Aegis.

In the meantime, Major Jack Meckley from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office is stepping in as interim chief, the newspaper reported.

Meckley was recently promoted to oversee the police services bureau of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, The Dagger reported in July. The police services bureau encompasses the northern and southern precincts as well as the special operations division, according to the sheriff’s office.

As the interim chief in Bel Air, Meckley will be responsible for overseeing the Bel Air Police Department, which currently includes 31 sworn officers, three full-time dispatchers, three contractual dispatchers, three cadets, two parking enforcement monitors, an administrative secretary, crossing guard, traffic technician and records administrator.

According to Bel Air’s town code, the chief of police is responsible for assigning and disciplining officers; and designating non-sworn/auxiliary officers, Explorers and volunteers for special enforcement duties such as providing emergency services during natural disasters.

Town officials announced Matrangola’s leave after a closed session Tuesday, at which point Town Administrator Jim Fielder told The Aegis that he anticipated “...everything being very smooth” and thanked the sheriff’s office for assisting. Read the full article from The Aegis.