Lower Merion's New Police Superintendent Begins Tenure

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners last month unanimously name their new Superintendent of Police in the township.

Andrew J. Block officially began his time as the Lower Merion Township Police Superintendent Monday after the commissioners on May 1 approved the recommendation by the Township Manager and Police Committee to hire him.

Block is taking over the role from longtime Superintendent Michael McGrath, who retired on March 31 after serving Lower Merion for 45 years.

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According to the township, Block received a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, from Neumann 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 program on Law Enforcement Executive Management.

Lower Merion Township hired the executive search firm of Baker Tilly to assist the township with a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of Police.

The hiring panel, made up of two Lower Merion Township Commissioners, Township Manager, two Fraternal Order of Police representatives, along with the Human Resources Director and Assistant Township Manager, recommended Block to be the new Superintendent of Police for Lower Merion Township, after an extensive interview and background investigation process.

A lifelong resident of Lower Merion, Block has 38 years of Law Enforcement experience, including 28 years at the Radnor Township Police Department and most recently serving as Chief at Upper Moreland Township Police Department.

Block also serves as a volunteer with the Lower Merion Fire Service at the Gladwyne Fire Department.

A public Badge Ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. June 18 during the Board of Commissioners Meeting.