Limerick Names New Police Chief

LIMERICK, PA — A new police chief has been officially named in Limerick Township.

Former Lieutenant Patrick M. Roche was promoted to the head of the police department during the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday night. He'll replace retiring Chief Robert J. Matalavage, who has been in the role since 2022.

“We are confident in Pat’s leadership skills and ability in managing the Department and the many challenges and changes impacting police throughout the country," Board Chairwoman Connie Lawson said in a statement.

Roche has been with Limerick police since 2007, working with the criminal investigative division for years on narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms purchases, and multi-jurisdictional residential and commercial burglary rings. His work earned numerous departmental commendations.

Later in 2017, Roche was named the hostage and crisis negotiator for the Montgomery County SWAT team.

A graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, Roche earned earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Shippensburg University in 2006. During his time in the department, has has graduated from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program, the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI-LEEDA Five-Star Chief Institute.

Outside of law enforcement, Roche works on the Board of Directors for Creative Health Services, a nonprofit that provides behavioral health services to the community.