Whitehall Police Department

The Whitehall Borough Police Department was established in 1948. It is interesting to note that one of the reasons residents chose to succeed from a larger township was dissatisfaction with the level of police protection. Our agency has been ever mindful of the community’s expectations and diligently works to maintain professional police services for our residents, businesses and visitors.

Today, our Department employs (20) full-time police officers and (5) full time civilian support staff. Each member is highly trained with opportunities to specialize in a wide variety of law enforcement functions. Examples include criminal investigator, juvenile officer, and participation in Regional Response Teams such as Accident Reconstruction Team, Critical Incident Response Team, Cooperative Criminal Investigation Team, and Mobile Field Force.

In addition to basic law enforcement services, our Department maintains the Borough’s 24-hour Public Safety Communication Center for Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works. This service allows residents to report incidents and speak directly to a police department employee; provides a safe haven for those in need; and allows officers to dedicate more time to patrol and investigative activities.

Call Us…

Emergencies: 911

Non-Emergency: (412) 884-1100

Animal Control: (412) 884-1100

General Inquiries: adminstration@whitehallboropd.org

Meet Our Force

The Police Department employs 20 full-time police officers and seven support personnel.

Jason Gagorik

Police Chief

Chief Jason Gagorik has been a dedicated public safety professional for 30 years. His experience includes progressive responsibilities and assignments in law enforcement, emergency medical services, and emergency management.

Chief Gagorik joined the Whitehall Borough Police Department in 2002. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, Deputy Chief of Police in 2017, Emergency Management Coordinator in 2018, and Chief of Police in 2021. Secondary duty assignments include Field Training Officer, Lead Investigator for Crimes Against Children, Crisis Negotiator for SHACOG CIRT, and System Administrator for many of the Department information technology projects.

Chief Gagorik has taken many educational courses during his career to broaden his knowledge and sharpen his leadership skills. He received an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2007, Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership in 2010, and completed several police leadership programs sponsored by Penn State University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 2020, he graduated from the prestigious Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. The University’s School of Police Staff and Command provides upper-level college instruction in police leadership and management, and additional electives over a 22-week period.

Chief Gagorik is committed to maintaining the Police Department’s tradition of providing courtesy and professional police services to the residents and visitors of Whitehall Borough. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to call him at 412-884-1100 or send an email to jgagorik@whitehallboropd.org.

Kurt Gaebel

Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Kurt Gaebel joined the Whitehall Borough Police Department in 2000. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2015 and Deputy Chief of Police in 2021. In his current role, he serves as second in command of the police department and oversees criminal investigations, information technology systems, and accident and traffic investigations.

Over his career, Deputy Chief Gaebel has served in many capacities, which include Field Training Officer, Crime Prevention, Lead Accident Reconstructionist, Firearms and Less Lethal Instructor, MPOETC Training Instructor, and Employment Background Investigator. In addition, he also participated in several region response teams as a Tactical Element Leader for SHACOG CIRT and Accident Reconstructionist for SHACOG Accident Reconstruction Team.

Deputy Chief Gaebel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Westminster College and is a graduate from the Allegheny County Police Academy. He has completed classes from Penn State University in Field Training, POSIT and POLEX. He is also a certified instructor from the FBI instructor developmental course.