New Police Chief Named In Lower Makefield

YARDLEY AREA —Lower Makefield Township has a new police chief who comes over from neighboring Yardley.

The Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors on Wednesday night approved a contract to hire Joseph Kelly III as the township's new police chief.

Kelly replaces Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi, who served 48 years in law enforcement. He investigated the "Boy In the Box" case in Philadelphia.

“I am excited to join the Lower Makefield Township team and join this group of dedicated public servants,” Kelly said in a statement following the vote by supervisors.

“I appreciate the opportunity and the trust placed in me by the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors," Kelly said. "I will work tirelessly with the men and women of the Lower Makefield Township Police Department to ensure the safety of everyone who lives, works, or visits in the area.”

Kelly said he may make additional comments after taking the oath of office on April 2.

Lower Makefield Township Manager David Kratzer said that a formal press release about Kelly's appointment will be issued in the near future.

Meanwhile, Yardley Borough will explore "a variety of options" to fill Kelly's police chief post and the need for police coverage, Yardley Borough Council President Caroline Thompson told Patch.

Thompson said a transition committee will lead Yardley Borough Council in determining the borough's next steps.

"We expect that this process will not be a quick one," Thompson said. "I'm estimating about six months."