Hanover, PA – Following the unanimous approval of the Borough Council at its January meeting appointing Lieutenant Joseph J. Bunty, Jr. as Acting Chief of Police, the Borough of Hanover is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Bunty will be formally sworn in as Chief of Police at the Borough Council meeting on February 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Public Administration Building, 33 Frederick Street, Hanover.
Lieutenant Bunty joined the Hanover Borough Police Department in May 1999 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2009. He attained the rank of Lieutenant in 2016 and has since served in supervisory and leadership roles within the department.
In 2022, Lieutenant Bunty completed the prestigious Northwestern School of Police Staff & Command Program (SPSC), an intensive leadership and management education program designed to prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for senior command positions. During the program, he served as class secretary and was selected by his peers as the recipient of the Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and professional excellence.
A graduate of Delone Catholic High School, Bunty is a lifelong Hanoverian. He served four years in the United States Army and three years in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His community involvement includes serving as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America (now Scouting America) and on the boards of local parochial grade schools.
As Chief, Lieutenant Bunty, who will oversee a staff of 25 sworn officers and support personnel, assumes leadership of the Department at a pivotal milestone with the completion of the new Public Safety Facility at the Borough-owned property located at 44 Frederick Street. The remodeled facility will feature enhanced security measures, modernized evidence storage and processing areas, and expanded wellness and training facilities for officers. Substantial completion of Phase I of the project is set for June of this year, with substantial completion of Phase II expected in January 2027.
When asked about his priorities as Chief, Bunty said he will continue his longstanding focus on improving quality of life for Hanover residents and visitors, while promoting robust community engagement. Above all, he emphasized maintaining and strengthening public trust in the police.
Lieutenant Bunty’s appointment follows the retirement of Chief Chad Martin, who served as Chief of Police since 2015 and dedicated 29 years of service to the Hanover Borough Police Department.
Borough of Hanover Vision Statement
“We envision a thriving, welcoming community appealing to individuals, families and businesses where best-practices shape delivery of exceptional municipal services and citizen engagement. By providing efficient, high-quality services, we support a clean and safe environment, inclusive recreation, and a vibrant, drug-free downtown for all.”
About the Borough of Hanover
The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.