Cecil Police Chief Resigns, New Leader Appointed

Cecil Township supervisors on Monday night promoted police Captain Shawn Bukovinsky to the department's top position—a personnel move that came in the wake of former police Chief John Pushak being placed on administrative leave last month.

Supervisors voted last month to place Pushak on paid administrative leave while Cypher & Cypher conducted an audit. The audit examined a township account that had to do with the Department of Justice forfeiture program. An attorney reported that there had been unauthorized withdrawals and deposits in the account.

In the end, the special investigation found no money missing. Township officials said Pushak brought the account discrepancies to the attention of the township and fully cooperated with the investigation.

Pushak's resignation and retirement was accepted unanimously Monday night, while the vote for Bukovinsky's appointment was 4-1.

Supervisor Elizabeth Cowden was the lone dissenting vote. She said it was nothing personal, but had other concerns.

Pushak is not to be hired for another position in the township, in accordance with an amendment to the motion.

Several police officers and former police officers were present at the meeting.

Check back with Canon-McMillan Patch Tuesday morning for further details.