Lower Merion hosts a badge ceremony for the new police Supt.

Andy Block (Lower Merion Parish Photo)

LOWER MERION – Lower Merion authorities will officially welcome their new police chief during a badge ceremony later this month.

In May, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Andrew Block as its next police chief.

Block replaces Mike McGrath, who retired as superintendent at the end of March. Block officially assumes his role as superintendent this week.

Lower Merion has scheduled a badge ceremony for the next board meeting on June 18 at 7:30 p.m.

“I am very humbled, very grateful and very overwhelmed at this moment,” Block said after the board appointed him during a special meeting in May. “I thank you for all of your kind comments and the support the board and the nomination of Township Manager (Ernie) McNeely have received.”

A native of Lower Merion, Block has 38 years of law enforcement experience, most of which were 28 years with the Radnor Township Police Department. Most recently, he served as Chief of the Upper Moreland Township Police Department. Block is also a volunteer with the Lower Merion Fire Service, currently with the Gladwyne Fire Department.

In appointing Block, the township hired the executive search firm Baker Tilly to conduct a nationwide search for a new police chief. The hiring panel consisted of two Lower Merion Township Commissioners, the Township Manager, two representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police, the Director of Human Resources and the Assistant Township Manager.

After a thorough interview and background investigation, Block was recommended as the new superintendent.

Block received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Newmann University and a master’s degree in public safety management and administration from Saint Joseph’s University. He also completed the FBI National Academy’s Law Enforcement Executive Management program.

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