South Greensburg police chief to run for Hempfield district judge post

South Greensburg’s police chief believes his 27 years in law enforcement best qualifies him to fill the vacant district judge seat in Hempfield.

Scott Fanchalsky, 49, said he will cross-file and run in both the Democratic and Republican primaries May 18 for the position formerly held by District Judge Anthony Bompiani, who retired Dec. 31.

The Hempfield native and resident has been police chief in South Greensburg for 21 years.

“I’ve dedicated nearly three decades serving the community of South Greensburg. The hands-on experience and ongoing training over the years have provided me with the foundation and knowledge to make fair and unbiased decisions as a district judge,” Fanchalsky said. “I believe my experience as an active law enforcement officer provides a unique and valuable perspective for a district judge.”

Fanchalsky, a Republican, graduated from the Municipal Police Academy. He is a member of the South Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department and F.O.P. Lodge #39.

“I took an oath as a police officer in 1993 to support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I’ve honored that oath faithfully for the past 27 years, and I will continue to honor that oath in the capacity of a full time district judge,” he said.

The district judge office covers South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Youngwood and portions of Hempfield Township.

Fanchalsky is the third candidate to announce their candidacy for the post, joining veteran Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Department officer, Irvin Shipley, 44, of Youngwood, who is currently assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service’s fugitive task force, and four-term Hempfield supervisor R. Douglas Weimer, 50, who teaches in Norwin School District.