Police Chief Edward Zunino was recognized for 35 years of dedicated poilce work to Kennett Square on Monday night
By P.J. D’Annunzio, Staff Writer, KennettTimes.com
Kennett Square Police Chief Edward Zunino as honored Monday night for his 35 years of service to the borough. From left Zunino, Mayor Matthew Fettick and Chster County Deputy District Attorney Steve Kelly
KENNETT SQUARE — Borough Police Chief Edward Zunino walked into the Red Clay Room at the Kennett Firehouse expecting to attend a normal Borough Council meeting; instead, he was greeted by a host of officers from local law enforcement departments, Kennett’s District Judge, The Deputy DA of Chester County, a representative of Congressman Joe Pitts, and his family all gathered to celebrate his 35th year on the force.
“He’s still working, and he works hard every day,” Kennett Square Mayor Mathew Fettick said, “It’d be really easy, after 35 years, to just ride it out and let all the young guys do the job; but that’s not who he is…he cares passionately about this town…he cares about the quality of life in this town and he’s sacrificed personally and professionally to make to make it the way it is.”
Zunino joined the Kennett Square Police Department on August 18, 1975 as a part-time officer. In 1977 he became a full-time officer and graduated from the police academy later that year. On August 6, 2007 he was promoted to the position of Chief.
“Think back to Christmas of this year,” Fettick continued, “ I was out in a nice sunny location relaxing on Christmas morning only to get a phone call from the chief, talking about the snowfall and the snow emergency, and in the back I hear the police radio go off. ‘Where are you?’ I said, ‘You’re not at work are you?’ ”
Indeed Chief Zunino was. He was filling in for an officer who had called out due to a family emergency and though he had the authority to order anyone in the department to come into work that day, he chose to work through the shift himself.
“This is just a glimpse of what Chief Zunino does, not mentioning the major crimes he has solved. As a former police officer I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of people and a lot of officers over the years and I tell you tonight there are none better and there is not a better leader in this county than Chief Zunino.”
Then Fettick yielded the floor to Deputy District Attorney of Chester County, Steve Kelly.
“You have served the people of Chester County with distinction and honor,” Kelly said, reading from a certificate given to Zunino on behalf of DA Joe Carroll, “And I think of you as a friend and trusted partner in law enforcement. I have enjoyed the many opportunities we have had to work together…you have always carried out your duties with the highest degree of integrity, competence, and professionalism, putting the welfare of the people you serve ahead of any thought of personal recognition.”
The outpouring of support continued as Bob Cane, representing Congressman Joe Pitts, read from a letter of commendation from the congressman:
“Throughout your career you have appropriately guided the Kennett Square Police Department to success…you exemplify your dedication through your continual efforts in the police department…I am proud to join with your family and your colleagues in recognition and thanks for your service to our neighborhood.”
“This is really overwhelming,” the chief said, “You know that saying ‘time sure flies when you’re having fun?’ Well it sure does. I don’t know where all these years went. It’s been great working with the mayor and the borough council. The officers I’ve worked with; I couldn’t ask for better, as well as my colleagues in other police departments. My sincere thanks.”
Zunino considers his most significant achievement to be the resolution of a homicide investigation that occurred in the borough in 1985, but those around him would say that his lasting impact lies within the lives of those he has touched in his 35 years of service to the community.
“I used to work at the Kennett Square Police Department,” said Derek Sedlak, a detective at West Goshen Police Department, “I’m very proud to say I was a former officer there and that Eddy Zunino taught me a lot of things that I currently use as a detective. He’s very instrumental in teaching officers and mentoring them in the different aspects of police work. He’s help to shape some of the great officers in this community.”
For those with who exhibit dedication toward a cause as Chief Zunino has, retirement is a foreign concept. Though frequently asked about when he’ll be taking his well earned rest, Zunino reaffirmed that he’s determined to see the job through, even if it takes another 35 years.
When the question of retirement was raised, on this auspicious occasion, Zunino simply smiled and said, “My chair has wheels. They’re going to have to wheel me out…Kennett is my home, it’s where my heart is.”
