Published Thursday, January 9, 2003
losing
police
chief
to enter ministry
Herald Staff Writer
After serving as Sharpsville's police chief for three years, Bruce Rosa plans to follow a higher calling.
Wednesday, borough council accepted Rosa's resignation so he can pursue a career in ministry, but council members were sorry to lose him.
"I reluctantly accept his letter of resignation," said Councilman Guy Moderelli. Councilman Tom Lally "reluctantly" seconded.
"As far as Bruce is concerned ... God gave him two good callings: one to be a minister and one to be a police chief," Lally said.
"I wish Bruce Rosa well," said Councilman Bob Piccirilli. "He is a great chief. He will be tough to replace. I will miss him personally."
Councilman Alex Kovach was the only one who voted not to accept Rosa's resignation, but said he voted "no" only because he's sorry to see him go.
"We had a long talk. I tried to convince him to stay on, but he's very set on what he's doing," Kovach said.
Council President Jack Cardwell said Rosa has done an "excellent job as chief of police."
"We're certainly going to miss him," Cardwell said.
Although he's announced his resignation, Rosa will still be around for a while. His resignation does not take effect until June 1. Council has not yet made plans to replace him.
Rosa was hired as a part-time patrolman in 1982 and was hired full-time a year later. Cardwell said one of the reasons council hired Rosa was because "we knew he'd make an excellent police chief."
In February 2000, Rosa was promoted to chief.
He graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1975 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Rosa served with the Marines from 1975 to 1980 in Europe and Hawaii, according to the borough's municipal newsletter.