Cheltenham police swear in three new officers, four retirees recognized

Share

January 24th, 2025 | By Ryan Genova

Cheltenham Township swore in police officers Richard “Joe” Canally, Drew Rajkowski, and Kareem El-Eisawy at the Wednesday, January 22 Board of Commissioners meeting at Curtis Hall. 

Officer Canally joined Cheltenham in June 2024 and completed the Montgomery County Police Academy in December 2024, the township said. He is the second member of his family to serve as a Cheltenham Township Police Officer, following his grandfather Gene.  Joe previously served in the U.S. Army for five years, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Officer Rajkowski previously worked as a Philadelphia Police Officer after graduating from the Philadelphia Police Academy in 2024. Prior to becoming a police officer, served in the U.S. Army for six years and the U.S. Army National Guard for three years, the township said.

Officer El-Eisawy previously served as a Police Officer in both the Philadelphia and Baltimore County Police Departments, and brings experience in both private security and police work to the position.

Chief Slavin also introduced two additional new members of the Department—William Torzon and Kiera Swanson—who are currently attending the Montgomery County Police Academy. They will be sworn in at a later date, the township said.

Retired Lt. Dan Farley

After the swearings-in, Chief John Slavin recognized the following officers who retired in 2024:

  • Lieutenant Dan Farley (July 12, 1996 – May 10, 2024)
  • Detective Steve Motta (Sept. 1, 1999 – Sept. 3, 2024) – in absentia
  • Detective Ron Cupo (Sept. 1, 1999 – Sept. 3, 2024) – in absentia
  • Detective Denise Tecce (November 29, 1996 – January 24, 2025) – in absentia

“It was amazing tonight to see the beginning and the end,” Commissioner Irv Brockington said in reference to the retirees.

A video of the presentations is available here. The swearing-in takes place at minute mark 3:05.

Feature photo, L-R: Lt. Joe O’Neill, William Torzon, Ofc. Drew Rajkowski, Kiera Swanson, Chief John Slavin, Ofc. Joe Canally, Ofc. Kareem El-Eisawy, Lt. Rich Schaffer

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Photos: Cheltenham Township