Harrison names Sgt. Brian Turack as new police chief

Harrison has a new police chief for the first time in nearly three decades.

Sgt. Brian Turack, a member of the department for about 12 years, was hired by township commissioners during their agenda meeting May 16, Commissioner Jim Erb said.

Turack starts in the new role July 1, replacing veteran Chief Mike Klein.

Six officers from within the township force applied for the position. The township did not seek candidates outside the department.

“We have one of the best police forces in Allegheny County, and we couldn’t go wrong with any of the candidates,” Erb said. “Every one of the applicants had qualities we would like in a chief. I knew it would be a good decision any way we went.”

Turack was not on duty Tuesday morning, having just finished up midnight shifts earlier this week, according to office staff.

A sergeant for about four years, he will be paid $106,000.

It was not clear why the commissioners voted during the agenda meeting rather than at their regular meeting, as the board usually does. Attempts to reach Commissioners Chuck Dizard, Jamie Nee, Eric Bengel and Gary Meanor were not immediately successful.

Township Manager Amy Rockwell said the details of the agenda were posted on the township’s website prior to the meeting when Turack was hired but then inadvertently taken down.

It is not unusual to vote at the agenda meeting on items needing to be addressed, she said.

“They are duly advertised and don’t preclude them from taking action,” Rockwell said. “In this case, the board did not want to wait any longer, to give the new chief as much time as possible to prepare for his transition.”

Turack is expected to begin training under Klein as soon as next week.

Klein started as an officer 39 years ago. He was chief for 29 years. Last year, he agreed to stay part time after his retirement Oct. 28 while commissioners searched for a replacement.

Harrison has a 13-person police force, including the chief’s position. It is unclear whether an officer will be hired to replace Turack’sposition on the force.