New police chief committed to accessibility in Allegheny Township

A familiar face has been appointed as chief of the Allegheny Township Police Department.

Dan Uncapher, most recently officer in charge and a sergeant before that, replaces former Chief Duane Fisher, who resigned in mid-September to become chief in an eastern Pennsylvania community.

Uncapher was appointed unanimously as chief during Monday’s supervisors meeting.

“He’s a great leader, leading by example, and is highly respected by all his peers and other professionals. In my opinion, he should have been the chief five years ago and it’s long overdue,” Supervisor James Morabito said.

“When the name Dan Uncapher comes up, everyone’s response has been nothing but positive. I’ve repeatedly been told by the citizens of this township, as well as other municipalities, that he is a man who is true to his word, a great leader and very respectful.”

On Wednesday, Uncapher began moving into his new office, one door over from his previous work space.

Sporting a new chief badge on his uniform, he reflected on his decades of service with the department.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Allegheny Township police Chief Dan Uncapher visits with township employees Wednesday as they prepare to decorate for the holidays outside the police department.

Uncapher, 53, said there is no such thing as going under the radar when out in public in the township.

“My wife hates shopping with me at Giant Eagle,” he joked.

Uncapher graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Ind., in 1989 and graduated from the IUP Police Academy in 1992.

He was employed as an officer by the Leechburg Police Department before being hired by Allegheny Township in 1993.

The township spans about 36 square miles, with more than 100 miles of highway to patrol.

Supervisor Michael Korns said Wednesday it was his pleasure to vote to appoint Uncapher as chief.

“Chief Uncapher is a lifelong resident of the township and has been a member of the police force for almost 30 years. He’s well respected in the community, and I believe will make an excellent chief of police,” Korns said.

”I’m looking forward to working with the chief to maintain the excellence we have in our Allegheny Township Police Department.”

The police department employs 11 full-time officers and soon will hire another.

“The personnel here are top-notch,” Uncapher said. “It’s the same locale, just a different position.”

Uncapher previously served as officer in charge in 2017.

“Now that it’s official, the biggest and most important thing for me is that people have a point of contact. I have said I want to be accessible. I very much want to know the problem areas in the township,” Uncapher said.

Uncapher said his door is open to residents.

“I always try to make myself available, make myself available in the public and be in the public,” Uncapher said.

Growing up in rural Allegheny Township, Uncapher recalled the days when a sole officer patrolled the entire township.

Now, there is 24/7 coverage with at least two officers patroling at all times.

“I think he’s an outstanding police officer, and our families’ connections go back to the Civil War,” said Supervisor John Rennick “Ren” Steele.

Steele has known Uncapher for more than 20 years and recalled frequent visits by Uncapher to Steele’s late mother, Alexandra Dembecki, who lived to be 100.

“They always helped her,” Steele said. “He was very kind to her.”

Compassion and confident leadership are qualities Steele said Uncapher will bring to the job.

“I admire him as a police officer, real level-headed guy. He’s homegrown and knows the township like the back of his hand,” Steele said.

As chief, Uncapher will attend some recommended trainings to augment the previous instruction he completed as officer in charge.

Noting his extensive background in crime investigations, Uncapher said that element of his career in law enforcement is gratifying.

“Bringing justice to victims has always been my big thing — it’s rewarding,” he said.