There’s a new sergeant in the Upper Makefield Township Police Department, but he is a familiar face.
At a May 21 meeting of the township board of supervisors, Gerard Russi was promoted to sergeant and sworn in to the position.
Magisterial District Judge Michael Petrucci conducted the oath-taking, with Russi’s family, friends and fellow officers in attendance.
Russi has been serving with Upper Makefield police since 2016, during which time he has been an exemplary officer, officials said.
Police Chief Mark Schmidt noted that Russi is a graduate of Council Rock School District and Kutztown University. He’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in law enforcement leadership from Liberty University.
“We are very excited to announce the promotion of Gerry Russi,” the department said in a public statement. “We wish him well on his new supervisory position.”
Russi’s roles with the township department have included everything from quartermaster to firearms instructor.
In 2017, he joined the Central Bucks Special Response Team, too. He currently is a sniper element leader with the agency, which is composed of officers from local police departments. The unit responds to high-risk incidents, including searches for armed subjects, hostage situations, barricaded subjects and warrant servicing.
Russi is also a Taser instructor and an active shooter/ALICE instructor.
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