Keith Russell is Greencastle's new police chief

The hiring date for Keith Russell’s Greencastle Police Department is May 6, 2007.

Exactly 17 years later, on Monday, May 6, 2024, Mayor Ben Thomas Jr. swore him in as the new police chief to sustained applause from the packed council chambers.

“It was kind of the way it was supposed to be,” said Russell, 53, who has served as officer-in-charge since Chief John Phillippy resigned in January.

Why does his resume say someone else is the boss?

The audience included Russell’s wife, Katie, and their four children, aunts and uncles, Greencastle police officers, other law enforcement officials, and members of the police and Masonic motorcycle groups with whom he rides.

Russell paid tribute to one person by saying: “I know he doesn’t like attention… my kidney donor.”

There was prolonged applause as Russell addressed Cpl. the Waynesboro Police Department thanked. Bryan Chappell.

Russell suffered from kidney failure three years ago and had to undergo dialysis. The two have known each other professionally for years as “brother of the police,” and without telling Russell, Chappell took tests to see if he was a match.

“It was a selfless gift to another human being,” Russell said. “He hates the spotlight, but without him I might not be here. Now I’m thriving.”

Russell joked: “Now he can put his police chief resume on his resume… part of you is right here.”

The resignation of his predecessor:John Phillippy’s only career path ends after more than 40 years in law enforcement

“This decision is the right decision”

Council members voted unanimously to appoint Russell as police chief. He has a prorated probationary salary of $80,000 for 2024 and his salary will be $90,000 next year, according to Emilee Little, district manager.

After their decision, council members went around the table and congratulated the new boss.

Councilman Steve Miller said many people have good qualifications and told Russell, “You are the best person for this community.”

“Keith, it’s been a long time coming,” said Councilman Scott Reagan.

“This decision is the right decision,” said the mayor. “It is in the best interest of Greencastle, PA and beyond.”

Already in January:Appointed officer in charge of the Greencastle Police Department until the position of chief is filled

How did Russell get from the undercover drug squad to Greencastle?

Russell is a U.S. Navy veteran and has 23 years of law enforcement experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, certification from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and numerous other certifications including criminal investigation, law enforcement and firearms instructor.

Originally from Pittsburgh, he worked for the police department in nearby Rankin before becoming an undercover narcotics agent.

“This is not a job for a family man,” said Russell, who was looking for a safe place to live with good schools after he and Katie married and started a family.

“Greencastle is a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Russell said.

See the pictures:“Lift up the Word – Illuminate the World”: National Day of Prayer in Greencastle

What about tears in the bladder?

Police officers “never know what you’re getting into,” said Thomas, who was a member of the Greencastle Police Department for many years. He added that Greencastle is a beautiful place but is not immune to problems.

There are the same problems as larger urban communities, just with less frequency, Russell said. Some people may think the district exists in a bubble, but there are cracks in the bubble.

For example, the department is still investigating a mid-April incident at the Jerome R. King Playground. After a fight between two groups of teenagers, one from Greencastle and one from James Buchanan, one of the boys returned with an air pistol that he had just ordered online.

How to protect children:Greencastle-Antrim’s superintendent offers advice to families about stranger danger

While “BB gun” might make you think of a Red Ryder from the movie “A Christmas Story,” this is an exact replica of a Glock pistol. Without closer inspection it is impossible to distinguish it from Russell’s service weapon.

The teenager faces serious accusations because he aimed it at others and “instilled fear of death in people.”

You won’t see him dancing

Police departments across the country are doing many things, including dancing on TikTok, to engage with citizens.

“They don’t want to see me dance,” Russell said as the new Operation Advance Safety program was introduced at the council meeting.

“We had to find a way to show that we are a caring, small-town police force,” Russell said.

Most people’s interaction with the police is a traffic stop, and 30 years later they will remember how the officer treated them.

Drivers stopped in Greencastle for faulty equipment, such as a malfunctioning headlight, will get a little extra with their “Fix-It Ticket” thanks to a partnership with Advance Auto Parts.

Advance Auto Parts donated $500 gift cards valued at $10 that drivers can use to help with repairs at the local store at 203 S. Antrim Way or online at AdvanceAutoParts.com

“Our store team is pleased to work with the Greencastle Police Department to improve traffic and vehicle safety,” said Advance District Manager Mark Worden. “It is critically important that all of one’s vehicle equipment is functioning properly to ensure maximum safety, and the distribution of these gift cards will play a large role in that.” We are proud to work with Chief Russell as he begins his term as Police Chief to work together and we look forward to seeing the impact of this unique program.”

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