Former Newtown Police Chief Anthony Wojciechowski Dies

NEWTOWN, PA — Former Newtown Police Chief Anthony Wojciechowski died Monday, according to the borough’s police department.

Affectionately known around the borough as “Chief Wojo” and “Chief Tony,” Wojciechowski “dedicated his life to serving the public,” the Newtown Borough Police Department said Tuesday in a Facebook post announcing his death.

Wojciechowski served for three decades on the Newtown police force before his retirement in May 2018. He spent half of his career at the Newtown Borough Police Department as chief, after being promoted in 2003. He joined the department in 1988 as a police and zoning officer and was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, Bucks Local News reported.

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Wojciechowski started his law enforcement career in the early 1970s after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. During his 17 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, he worked as a police officer, detective, and as a member of the department’s bomb squad and SWAT team, the report states.

The former police chief “always made himself available to the public and always had a story to tell,” the Newtown Police Department said. “He often referred to his officers as his ‘children’ and his door was always open for us to come to him with anything, work related or not.”

“Until we meet again Chief, we will continue to serve the community with the dedication that you did and instilled in your ‘children,’” the department’s post continued.

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Several police departments from around the area have shared the post Tuesday to pay tribute to the late police chief.

The Newtown Township Police Department said Wojciechowski “will be truly missed” as he was a “longtime friend” of many of its members.

The Upper Makefield Township Police Department also shared its condolences Tuesday.

“Rest In Peace Chief Wojo,” the department said. “We have the watch from here.”

State Rep. Perry Warren said he worked closely with Wojciechowski as a member of the Newtown Borough Council. He presented the chief with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives upon his retirement in 2018.

"He will be remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who helped train a generation of police officers while embodying the role of a small town police chief," Warren said.

Dozens have paid tribute online, with many sharing fond memories of their time working or interacting with Wojciechowski.

“I worked in Newtown Borough a long time ago when Chief Wojo was Sgt. Wojo. He taught me lessons that I’ve relied on throughout my career and to this day,” Scott Hartranft wrote in a comment on the Newtown Police Department’s post. “Heart and soul cared for every one of his Officers. Very sad day. Rest In Peace Sir.”

“Chief Wojo was a caring and thoughtful man, who loved this community and made lasting impressions,” Diane Krusen wrote.