SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Surrounded by friends and family, new township Police Chief Frank Lombardo on Wednesday pledged to uphold the U.S. Constitution, state law and township ordinances.
“I’m a street cop at heart and always will be,” Lombardo, 56, said after being sworn in for his new position.
“The decisions that I make, while for the organization, will always be guided by my time on the street, which brought every type of experience a police officer could have.”
“I’m a street cop at heart and always will be."South Whitehall Township Police Chief Frank Lombardo
A memo prepared by township Manager Thomas Petrucci and read into the record by Commissioners President Diane Kelly reads:
“The Oath of Office is a formal attestation of the Chief of Police to enforce these laws with integrity and impartiality, and to lead the police department with professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to exemplary and equitable public service.”
Lehigh County Judge Anna-Kristie M. Marks officiated the swearing-in.
It comes just a few days ahead of National Police Week from May 11-17.
'The best I've ever seen'
Touting the department’s staff — its criminal investigations division, emergency response personnel and school resource officers, among others — Lombardo described its tactical training and attention to officer safety as “the best I’ve ever seen.”
And Lombardo, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, has seen quite a bit of that in his time.
Serving with the South Brunswick Township, New Jersey, Police Department from 1995 to 2024, he held various leadership roles before retiring as captain in February 2024.
Lombardo attended Somerset County Police Academy before serving as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
He began his career with the patrol bureau and served as field training officer, firearms instructor, honor guard commander and team leader for the emergency response team.
He later was lieutenant with the traffic safety bureau, finishing his career as captain of Community Services Command.
The chief has been awarded a number of times during his career in law enforcement, including the Medal of Honor, Medal of Valor and multiple Excellent Service Awards.
He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning and design, master’s degree in administrative science and a doctor of education in human and organizational learning — from Rutgers University, Fairleigh Dickinson University and George Washington University, respectively.
Commanding 43, more planned
Township commissioners unanimously appointed Lombardo to the role in March.
At the March 5 commissioners meeting, board Assistant Secretary Jacob Roth said Lombardo was “the man for this moment.”
The chief’s annual salary will be $162,000, prorated for 2025, according to township officials.
Lombardo will be in command of the department’s 43 officers.
The township on Wednesday moved to extend offers to two candidates for entry-level patrol officer positions, pending satisfactory results in pre-employment measures such as background checks and medical tests.
The township that evening also promoted officer Alexie Torres to the rank of sergeant.
Torres has been with the township department for nearly seven years.
“Supervisors here care about their people — they lead them; they hold them accountable; and they build them up when they need them.”South Whitehall Township Police Chief Frank Lombardo
Lombardo described Torres as “basically our department’s Leatherman tool,” mentioning his service as a bike patrol officer, field training officer and instructor of use of force and defensive tactics.
“It’s not about taking charge, but rather taking care of those in your charge," Lombardo said. "This is the very kind of leadership I’ve witnessed over and over again in this police department.
“Supervisors here care about their people — they lead them; they hold them accountable; and they build them up when they need them.”
