In Memory of Interim Police Chief Mark J. Romutis

Community Loses 2nd Police Chief

On April 12, 2020, Pennsylvania announced the loss of a local Police Chief. For the Ambridge Borough Police Department, this was the 2nd loss of a Police Chief in the past couple of years. Interim Police Chief Mark J. Romutis, age 64, died from the effects of COVID19. Romutis most likely came into contact with the virus through his law enforcement work.

Previously retired, Romutis returned to law enforcement when asked to fill the seat of Interim Police Chief for the Ambridge Borough Police Department in 2018. Chief Romutis had more than 40 years’ experience as a law enforcement officer. Before retiring, he had served with the Upper St. Clair Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Police Department, and the Elwood City Police Department. Along with his work in law enforcement, Romutis also held a position as an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice at both the University of Pittsburgh and the Community College of Beaver County.

Romutis was known to bring about a significant progressive change to the Ambridge Borough Police Department. He began utilizing the community as a source to help law enforcement. Romutis encouraged officers to participate in programs like ‘Coffee with a Cop.’ He was known to pride himself on being an “old beat cop” on the job to make Ambridge a better place for everyone.

Ambridge Borough Police Department

Interim Police Chief Mark J. Romutis returned from retirement and teaching to fulfill Chief’s seat for the Ambridge Borough Police Department. Romutis loved the community and worked hard to initiate programs for the betterment of all community residents. As Chief, Romutis protected the Borough of Ambridge, which is approximately 1.7 square miles. Ambridge is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, east of the Ohio River. It is about 16 miles northwest of the city of Pittsburgh.

Ambridge was named after the American Bridge Company. The company purchased the land from the Harmonist society in 1905. Today, the area includes the ‘Old Economy Village,’ which is the last home of the remaining Harmonists. The entire region surrounding the Old Economy Village was designated as a Historic District. It can be found on the National Register for Historic Places.

Family and Friends Mourn Loss

Across the globe, family and friends of those impacted by COVID19 are mourning a significant loss. Interim Police Chief Mark J. Romutis leaves behind his wife and son. Many community residents came out with signs and a show of support as Chief Romutis was escorted from the hospital to the funeral home. He was loved by many; along the procession route, tears filled residents’ eyes. The community will hold together, show support to the Romutis family, and share in their grief.

The Ambridge Regional Chamber of Commerce posted the announcement of the loss along with their condolences on their Facebook page. “We are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Chief Mark Romutis. Chief Romutis was truly a guiding light for Ambridge, who worked tirelessly to serve and protect our town, our businesses, and our residents. We were fortunate to work closely with him on numerous events and initiatives, where we witnessed first-hand his love for Ambridge and his enthusiasm and passion for helping others. One of Ambridge’s greatest ambassadors, he was always active and engaging in the community and positively influenced everyone he interacted with around town. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Ambridge Police Department during this time. We will never forget his service to our community.”