John S. Deihl Sworn in as Delaware County’s New Chief of Park Police

Released: August 4, 2022

John S. Deihl was formally sworn in as Chief of the Delaware County Park Police during a ceremony attended by friends, family, Park Police officers, and Delaware County elected officials on August 2 in the Delaware County Government Center Complex in Media.

Chief Deihl, a 42-year veteran of law enforcement, the long-time Captain of the Park Police, and its acting Chief for the past year, was sworn in by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kevin F. Kelly. As the head of the Park Police, Chief Deihl oversees 110 officers and staff, including not only the Park Police but the newly formed bike unit and the Constables Division.

“All of County Council extends its warm congratulations to Chief Deihl on this well-earned promotion. Chief Deihl has served the County with distinction for decades—the Park Police are in good hands,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor who was in attendance along with other members of Council.

In addition to members of County Council, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Sheriff Jerry L. Sanders, Jr., Delaware County Controller Joanne Phillips, County Solicitor William Martin, County Executive Director Howard Lazarus, and numerous Department heads were in attendance to congratulate Chief Deihl.

A native of Delaware County, Chief Deihl grew up in Darby Township and attended Saint Joseph's in Collingdale and Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill before moving to Norwood, his current home, in 1982. He met his wife, Debbie Deihl, in the Delaware County Courthouse (where she worked in the Sheriff’s Office) and they have raised a family with two children and three grandchildren.

He began his career in law enforcement in 1980 as a patrolman before being promoted to Corporal in 1983, Sergeant (1984), Lieutenant (1988), Captain (1989), Interim Chief (2021) and now Chief. Over his career, Chief Deihl has worked with several law enforcement agencies throughout Delaware County, in addition to multiple Federal agencies including the United States Secret Service to provide security for VIPs and dignitaries visiting the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Center Complex.

Chief Deihl is also the recipient of multiple awards during his career, including the Delaware County Council Distinguished Service Award in 1996 and 2011, a Life-Saving Award, unit citations, and an award for Meritorious Conduct.

Delaware County Council extends its congratulations to Chief Deihl and commends and thanks Chief Deihl and the entire Park Police Force for their service and dedication to keeping the residents of Delaware County safe.