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New Police Chief Sworn In
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Jonathan Wharton worked his way through the ranks in the Township and was sworn in this past August as the new chief of police of Upper St. Clair.
Chief Wharton, 48, joined the department 27 years ago. Former USC police chief and current USC commissioner Ronald Pardini hired Jon as a patrolman. “It’s a great feeling to see someone develop into his full potential. He’s a fine young man, very community-oriented. He has all the necessary training and will be a very fine chief. I’m proud of him,” said Ron.
Left to right: USC Chief of Police Jon Wharton, Lauren Wharton, USC Township Manager Matthew Serakowski
Chief Wharton was the first patrolman Township Manager Matthew Serakowski promoted to sergeant. “I have total confidence in Jon to serve as our chief of police. He has a proven record for commitment to the community and to the department,” said Matt.
The Board of Commissioners’ president Mark Christie also has full trust in Jon as chief of police. “We realize that he’s a very qualified candidate. He will do a great job guiding the Township,” said Mark.
An Upper St. Clair High School graduate, Jon joined the USC police department in 1991, was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and to lieutenant in 2017. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his master’s degree in legal studies from California University of Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, Jon graduated from the FBI National Academy. A firearms, Taser, baton, and self-defense instructor, his professional police training also includes ACTAR collision reconstruction and computer voice stress analysis (CVSA)/truth verification.
Chief Jon Wharton was sworn in by the Honorable D. Michael Fisher, Senior United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Jon recognized the most influential people in his career and thanked former USC police chiefs Pardini and Douglas Burkholder and police officers past and present for their leadership and guidance. He also thanked former and current Township commissioners and Township Manager Serakowski for believing in him. Lastly, he gave a heartfelt thank you to his family and wife, Lauren, who was honored to pin him with his new chief stars.
Jon takes over for former police chief Douglas Burkholder, who retired earlier this year. “I vow to the citizens of Upper St. Clair Township that I will fulfill this title to the best of my ability,” said Jon.
The Wharton family left to right: Greg, Andrew, Jon, Lauren, Eric
