Parks Township police chief exits for new post as lieutenant with regional department

A familiar face in law enforcement has returned to his roots in Gilpin.

After 28 years in uniform, former Parks Township Chief John Arce reported for his first shift with the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department on July 3.

Arce resigned in June, after 17 years as a full-time officer in Parks Township, serving as chief for his last year there. His last day patrolling was June 29.

“I wanted a better opportunity with a bigger police department,” Arce said.

Arce was hired as a lieutenant with Southern Armstrong Regional in June.

“I’ve been watching what Chief (Chris) Fabec has been doing with forming the regional department, and then with Ford City coming on board, I believe that you’ll see in the near future that these small municipalities will become interested in SARPD’s services,” Arce said.

Arce joins 14 officers on the Southern Armstrong Regional force.

Fabec praised Arce’s reputation.

“Arce will be a tremendous asset to our department,” Fabec said. “He brings more than 20 years of experience. He’s well-respected in the community as well as by the men and women in the department. We’re excited to have him in our ranks.”

Arce, 50, grew up in Cheswick and graduated from Springdale Junior-Senior High School in 1992.

He chose a career in law enforcement after years of volunteering as a firefighter.

Arce landed his first police job with the Leechburg Police Department in 1995 after graduating from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy the previous year.

He recalled his first day patrolling solo after training with then-Sgt. Alan Tarr, who went on to become Leechburg’s police chief.

Courtesy of Lt. John Arce

John Arce of Gilpin is shown in 1995 during his first week serving with the Leechburg Police Department.

“He was one of the great chiefs that I had the opportunity to work for. Sgt. Tarr prepared me well,” Arce said. “After working Leechburg all of those years, I know my way around Gilpin pretty well.”

Other municipalities Arce has worked include Cheswick and Springdale.

Arce noted Armstrong County, like many other parts of the country, is experiencing a drug epidemic.

“SARPD, along with Armstrong County Drug Task Force, is actively working daily in an attempt to solve that problem,” Arce said.

Arce is proud of the 24/7 police coverage now offered in Gilpin, Ford City and Freeport.

“My message to the communities that SARPD serves is that you have a very well-trained group of men and women serving your municipalities,” Arce said. “We’ll continue to provide and serve those communities with professional police service they deserve.”