West Leechburg hires longtime Arnold police officer as part-time chief

A familiar face will be assuming the police chief’s role in West Leechburg.

Borough Council voted 7-0 on Sunday to hire William “Willie” Weber as its part-time police chief at a rate of $16.75 an hour. He started Thursday.

“He is a good person. I think he will make a very good chief,” West Leechburg Mayor Steve Yenchi said.

Former police Chief Pete King retired in August after serving the borough for eight years. Yenchi honored him with a plaque.

Weber brings more than 40 years of experience to the role. He has worked in various departments throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley, most notably 35 years with the Arnold Police Department. He retired as police chief there in 2015. Before that, he was a patrolman, sergeant and detective.

His retirement was brief. Six days later, he started as a part-time officer with the Vandergrift Police Department, then, a year later, began working for the Parks Township Police Department. Weber still works for both departments. He said he ensures all of the jobs fit his schedule.

Weber said he wants to continue to help people while he still can. Age is just a number, the 62-year-old said.

“It’s kind of exciting,” he said. “I don’t worry about titles. You just gotta do the job. West Leechburg is a very residential district.

“Coming out of Arnold, naturally, we were urban and industrial. I think it is a nice community to be able to put my time in with.”

Councilperson Marcia Cole said Weber’s local ties and experience made him an ideal pick for the job. He is very community-oriented and wants to be engaged with West Leechburg, Cole said.

“We are just really excited to bring him on board,” Cole said. “I think he will be a great benefit to the community.”