Newtown Township Swears In Officer, Announces Police Promotions

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department on Wednesday night welcomed a new officer to the force and celebrated four departmental promotions.

Standing before a capacity crowd inside the township building, Chief John Hearn introduced the community to its newest officer, Officer Robert Gergal Jr., who comes to Newtown Township “highly recommended” from the Yardley Borough Police Department where he worked as a
part-time officer under Chief Joe Kelly.

Gergal graduated from Neshaminy High School in 2018 and earned an associate's degree from the Bucks County Community College in 2020. He graduated from the Temple University Police Academy in 2021 and has been employed as a part-time officer in Yardley Borough since Sept. 2022.

Police Chief John Hearn joins the board of supervisors and township administrators in welcoming the township's newest officer, Robert Gergal Jr. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

District Judge Michael Petrucci administered the oath of office to Gergal who pledged to “support, obey and defend the Constitution” and to “discharge the duties of police officer with fidelity.”

Chief Hearn also announced four departmental promotions with Jason Harris advancing to the rank of police captain, Christian Joseph to lieutenant, Paul Deppi to sergeant, and Thomas Rawa to corporal.

From left are Corporal Thomas Rawa, Sgt. Paul Deppi, Chief John Hearn, Judge Michael Petrucci, Captain Jason Harris, and Lt. Christian Joseph. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

“No organization can succeed without proper training, supervision, policy, and effective leadership," said Chief Hearn, in announcing the promotions. "One of the most important aspects is also selection and recruitment. Each of the promotees here tonight was hired 20 years ago by the township’s former chief of police Martin Duffy. Chief Duffy is also here tonight to help us celebrate their accomplishments," said Hearn.

“Each of these individuals has dedicated their life to protecting and serving the citizens of Newtown and Wrightstown township. They have committed their lives to our community by their individual and collective actions," said Hearn. "Their initial oath of office has been honored and it is a testament to who they are, who they represent, and the professional manner in which they act.”

Newly-promoted Captain Jason Harris was hired as a police officer in January 2003 and has served more than 20 years with the department. Prior to joining the Newtown Township Police Department, he served with Newtown Borough from 1991 to 2003.

In 2004 Officer Harris received his first promotion to detective followed by corporal in 2013.

Judge Michael Petrucci swears in newly promoted Captain Jason Harris.

In 2017, Corporal Harris was promoted to sergeant overseeing criminal investigations and the detective division. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2018 and has excelled in that position, said Chief Hearn. During that time he also served as interim police chief while a search was conducted for a new chief of police.

Captain Harris is certified in emergency management, fire investigation, and fire and rescue operations. He is also holds certification as an EMT and in HazMat response.

He is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Staff & Command and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Command program.

Newly-promoted Lt. Christian Joseph joined Newtown Township in 2006 and has served more than 17 years with the department. He previously served with Northampton Township from 2002 to 2006.

Officer Joseph was promoted to the rank of corporal in 2012 and then to sergeant in 2018, serving all those years on patrol duty. He is certified as a field training officer and in basic accident investigation. He is also a graduate of Northwestern School of Staff & Command and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Command program.

Judge Michael Petrucci swears in newly-promoted Lt. Christian Joseph. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Newly-promoted Sgt. Paul Deppi was hired by the department in 1998 and was promoted to corporal in 2012. He has served as a field trading officer, major incident response supervisor, and a certified motor carrier safety inspector.

Deppi is an EMT and the department’s coordinator for Coffee With A Cop and Shop With A Cop. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern School of Staff & Command.

Newly-promoted Sgt. Paul Deppi is sworn in by Judge Michael Petrucci. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Newly-promoted Corporal Thomas Rawa Jr. joined the township in 2002. He had previously served as a Newtown Borough officer from 1999 to 2002.

Corporal Rawa is a field training officer and has provided training to all of the most recently hired township police officers. He holds an associate degree from the Montgomery County Community College.

Newly-promoted Corporal Thomas Rawa is sworn in by Judge Michael Petrucci.

Following the promotion ceremony, board of supervisors' chairman Dennis Fisher commended the officers on their promotions and welcomed the new officer to the township. "Thanks for all you do to make this community a great place to live,” he told the officers.