Robert Balchunis has been assigned to Major Case Squad

By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times

Chester County Detective Robert Balchunis, the latest addition to the investigative arm of the District Attorney’s Office, began his new post this week, said District Attorney Tom Hogan.

A respected police officer who may be genetically predisposed to investigative work has joined the Chester County Detectives, District Attorney Tom Hogan announced Monday.

Robert Balchunis, who started working for the county this week in the Major Case Squad, was hired to replace Det. Frank Martin, a longtime investigator who retired at the end of 2012 after a distinguished career, Hogan said.

“Det. Balchunis is a perfect fit for the Chester County Detectives.  He is experienced in all fields of criminal investigation, well-respected by law enforcement throughout Chester County, and a tireless and determined investigator,” Hogan said.  “In addition, he understands that the job of a Chester County Detective is to work together with law enforcement throughout the county.  It is our privilege to add his talents to the Chester County Detectives.”

Balchunis, whose father, Robert J. Balchunis Sr., worked as a detective for Bethel Township and is now employed by Cheyney University, comes to the county with 15 years of law-enforcement experience, having served with the Westtown-East Goshen Police Department from 1998 to 2012 and the West Goshen Police Department from 2012 to present, Hogan said. Balchunis was named Westtown-East Goshen Police Department’s Officer of the Year in 2001 and 2012.

“It is a privilege to be selected to join the Chester County Detectives,” said Balchunis.  “I could not have achieved this goal without the support of the two outstanding departments for whom I worked, the West Goshen Police Department and the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department.  I look forward to continuing to work to protect the citizens of Chester County.”

Chester County Chief Detective James Vito, who heads the investigative arm of the District Attorney’s Office, said he expected Balchunis to complement his staff. “Throughout his police career, Det. Balchunis has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the public,” said Vito. “We are confident of his dedication to serve the citizens of Chester County.”