Dec 28, 2023 By Paul Paterra 3 min read

Mayor-Elect Jojo Burgess has appointed Lt. Steve Devenney as the new chief of police for the city of Washington.

Devenney will replace Chief Daniel Rush, effective Jan. 2. Rush is retiring after 22 years of service to the Washington Police Department, the past two as its chief.

Burgess interviewed four candidates for the position and “felt anyone would have been a good choice,” but the nod went to Devenney, a lifetime city resident.

Burgess grew up in Washington and said Devenney’s lifetime commitment to the city and his law enforcement experience played a big role in his decision.

“That was what separated Steve from the others,” Burgess said.

Devenney has worked closely with Rush and the outgoing chief fully supports his successor.

“Steve and I have worked together since 2005 and as patrol partners for a year,” Rush said. “He is a compassionate, empathetic and professional officer who has my full confidence. I think Mayor-Elect Burgess has made a great choice.”

Devenney graduated from Washington High School and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for this Act 120 certification.

He started with the city police department in 2005 and was promoted to patrol corporal in 2012.

In January 2021, Devenny rose to the rank of patrol sergeant and later that year to patrol lieutenant.

In February 2022, Devenney was named acting captain, while maintaining his administrative lieutenant duties.

In this capacity, he was responsible for most of the daily operations including scheduling vehicle maintenance, inventory accountability, scheduling of officer training, answering Right-to-Know requests, assisting the chief in drafting and enforcing policies and reviewing citizen complaints. In the chief’s absence, he was vested with the authority to act in his place. Devenney has been active with youth sports programs including youth baseball and basketball in Trinity and Washington and plans on continuing his participation.

“It is both an honor and privilege to be selected by Mayor Burgess to lead the city of Washington Police Department,” Devenney said. “I look forward to working with both the mayor and city council in the years ahead. I am grateful to lead this department, with its great men and women, to provide the best possible police services to the residents of the city of Washington.”

Burgess said Devenney’s knowledge of the department, and the city will serve him well.

“I am more than confident that Lt. Devenney truly cares about the city and its residents and that will be an asset for the department in his new position,” Burgess said.

Devenney will be sworn in along with the mayor-elect at the city’s reorganization meeting scheduled for noon on Jan. 2.