Leet Township officials expected to appoint a familiar face as police chief April 8

Acting Leet Township police Chief Brian Jameson is expected to formally become the top cop.

The Ambridge resident was hired on an interim basis Aug. 8, 2022.

The unanimous appointment was made shortly after Michael Molinaro was formally fired from the leadership post for lying to commissioners, unlawfully terminating a part-time patrolman and other alleged conduct unbecoming an officer.

Commissioners approved advertising for the chief’s position Dec. 11 and began a nationwide search in January.

Commissioners also voted in December to set the annual salary at $87,000, according to meeting minutes.

Township Manager Betsy Rengers said more than 20 people applied for the job.

Commissioners unanimously approved a conditional job offer to Jameson during their March 25 workshop meeting.

Jameson is projected to be named the permanent chief at the April 8 meeting contingent upon passing physical and psychological exams. According to Rengers and Commissioners President Martin McDaniel, his new salary has yet to be determined.

“He’s a great candidate, and we’re glad to have him join us in a permanent position,” Rengers said.

McDaniel declined to talk about the job offer but spoke highly of Jameson’s service to the township March 26.

“He’s done a very excellent job in my opinion,” McDaniel said. “He has the respect of his officers. He has the respect of other chiefs in the Quaker Valley area. He’s very ethical. He’s got us some grants and relates well to people. He’s done a great job.

“We’ve had only good things to say about him, but we had to do our due diligence (with the job search). It was our obligation to do our due diligence and get the right person for the residents and taxpayers by doing (the search).”

Commissioner Donna Adipietro deferred comments about Jameson to the commission president.

Strong resume

Jameson has more than 28 years of law enforcement experience, along with degrees in criminal justice from Fairmont State University and Community College of Beaver County.

He began his career as a part-time patrolman in Leetsdale in 1995 and served for about three years. He also served as a Crescent Township officer and worked as a part-time officer in Baden and Bell Acres.

Jameson, a Moon Area High School graduate, worked for about 24 years in the Ambridge Police Department and retired from there as a lieutenant in 2021.

His starting interim chief wages were set at $30 per hour.

Jameson said he is confident he will be able to pass the aforementioned exams and looks forward to continuing his work with the department.

“I feel I’m a good fit for the community, and I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of the community,” he said. “Accountability is important to me. We’ll make sure everyone’s doing the right thing here and continue to have a good department.”