Jeannette police chief to retire, sergeant promoted

Jeannette officials said goodbye Thursday to the city’s police chief and a councilwoman.

Police Chief Donald Johnston Jr. is retiring Jan. 1. Mayor Curtis Antoniak announced Thursday his replacement will be Sgt. Derek Manley.

Johnston said he got interested in police work during high school and later was hired as an officer in South Greensburg in January 1995.

“My ultimate goal was to get hired for the City of Jeannette, I was born and raised here, I wanted to come back here, I wanted to do the best I could for the community I grew up in,” he said.

He did in March 1999 and has been chief for the last few years, recently helping the department get outfitted with body cameras and updated technology.

“I’m happy with my career and everything I’ve ever done for the city,” Johnston said. “I’ve always given my best.”

Manley recently got training in commercial motor vehicle enforcement and Antoniak said he has worked at several departments, including Manor, Mt. Pleasant, Southwest Greensburg and North Belle Vernon.

The police chief is selected by the mayor under the third class city code, according to solicitor Tim Witt.

“I did a lot of research, I did my due diligence and I look forward to working with Sgt. Manley on Jan. 2 unless Chief Johnston changes his mind,” Antoniak said, adding that he looked at three resumes in making the decision.

Several members of the public and city officials also bid farewell to Councilwoman Robin Mozley, who did not seek reelection after eight years on the board.

“It has been an honor and very humbling to have served this city,” she said.