New Delco Park Police Chief Sworn In

MEDIA, PA — Delaware County has a new chief of its park police force, as John S. Deihl was formally sworn in on Tuesday.

Deihl, a 42-year veteran of law enforcement, the long-time captain of the Park Police, and its acting chief for the past year, was sworn in by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kevin F. Kelly.

As the head of the Park Police, Deihl oversees 110 officers and staff, including not only the Park Police but the newly formed bike unit and the Constables Division.

“All of County Council extends its warm congratulations to Chief Deihl on this well-earned promotion. Chief Deihl has served the County with distinction for decades—the Park Police are in good hands,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor who was in attendance along with other members of Council.

In addition to members of County Council, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr., Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, County Solicitor William Martin, County Executive Director Howard Lazarus, and numerous Department heads were in attendance to congratulate Deihl.

A native of Delaware County, Deihl grew up in Darby Township and attended Saint Joseph's in Collingdale and Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill before moving to Norwood, his current home, in 1982.

He met his wife, Debbie Deihl, in the Delaware County Courthouse (where she worked in the Sheriff’s Office) and they have raised a family with two children and three grandchildren.

He began his career in law enforcement in 1980 as a patrolman before being promoted to corporal in 1983, sergeant in 1984, lieutenant in 1988, captain in 1989, interim chief in 2021, and now chief.

Over his career, Deihl has worked with several law enforcement agencies throughout Delaware County, in addition to multiple Federal agencies including the United States Secret Service to provide security for VIPs and dignitaries visiting the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center Complex.

Deihl is also the recipient of multiple awards during his career, including the Delaware County Council Distinguished Service Award in 1996 and 2011, a Life-Saving Award, unit citations, and an award for Meritorious Conduct.

Delaware County Council extends its congratulations to Deihl and commends and thanks Deihl and the entire Park Police Force for their service and dedication to keeping the residents of Delaware County safe.