New Chief Takes Charge of State College Police Department

Fomer APD Chief Sworn-In As New Head Of SCPD

Joseph Merrill was sworn in as State College’s ninth police chief yesterday at the Municipal Building.  Merrill previously served as chief of the Altoona Police Department since 2021, and had been with the APD for 20 years.  Merrill takes over from John Gardner, who retired in December.  Merrill, who is originally from State College said it had been his desire to eventually continue his career in his hometown.

New Chief Takes Charge of State College Police Department

State College officially welcomed the new leader of its police department on Monday. Joseph Merrill was sworn in as the borough's ninth police chief on Monday morning at the State College Municipal Building, taking the oath from District Judge Don Hahn. He succeeds Chief John Gardner, who retired at the end of December after nine years in the position and 35 with the department. Merrill is a 20-year veteran of the Altoona Police Department, wher…