Latrobe police chief Jim Bumar retired from his 8.5 year reign as the chief and his 34.5 career being a part of the Latrobe Police Department on August 31st, 2018. Then, the Latrobe Police Department had a big position to fill and a big question, who would become the new police chief?

Many applied for the position of the chief of police, but one application stood out from all the others and that was Mr. John Sleasman. Sleasman lived most of his life in Ligonier Township, but moved to Latrobe 25 years ago when he began working at the Latrobe Police Department. In his past, he was also in the U.S. Navy and in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

New police chief Sleasman usually spends his day reviewing previous reports of the past week, reviewing administration training and the equipment used, scheduling for the week, and going on patrol to interact with the public.

Sleasman said, “My new focus is on updated training and equipment with car cameras and computers and potentially body cameras.” With these new changes, Sleasman believes that it will be a new refresher for some parts of the outdated system.

Sleasman said, “Bumar left me with a solid police department, but there is always room for improvement.” Now, there will be a greater police presence in downtown Latrobe and even a police presence in the new Latrobe Elementary School built on 1501 Ligonier Street.

When asked, “Is there anything that the Latrobe citizens should know about?” Sleasman said, “People are forgetting to lock their vehicles on the streets and we are having many vehicle break-ins recently, so make sure to lock your vehicles.”

If you need to reach Mr. John Sleasman at the Latrobe Police Department please call the Station at (724) 537 – 5526, but for any needed emergency or assistance please dial 9-1-1 first.