Lower Makefield Honored 2 Top Police Officers. So Who Is Retiring?

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — When longtime Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi retired, it was Deputy Chief Robert Lewis who held down the fort until a new police chief could be found.

Now that former Yardley Police Chief Joseph Kelly III took the helm a few months back, it was time for Lewis to also call it a career.

The Lower Makefield Township Supervisors and police department recently recognized the accomplishments of Lewis and Capt. Jason Braim on their retirement after 31 years of respective service.

"Thank you for serving Lower Makefield Township with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others," officials said. "Wishing you both all the best on the road ahead."

Last December, Coluzzi announced his retirement, marking the end of a 48-year career in law enforcement.

For 24 years, Coluzzi led the Lower Makefield Township Police Department while also taking on roles as the township's emergency management coordinator and temporary township manager.

Coluzzi worked for the Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit in the 1980s and 1990s with duties that included heading the special investigations unit and fugitive squad.

During that time, he also investigated the unresolved homicide in North Philadelphia known as the "Boy in the Box."

It was the case of a young boy found beaten and wrapped in a blanket in a box in Philadelphia that was finally resolved in December 2022.

(Lower Makefield Township)