Credit: Tom Sofield/NewHopeFreePress.com
New Hope Borough is turning to a familiar face to fill the opening created by the retirement of one of its longest-serving police officers.
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Borough Council last week unanimously approved hiring Austin McLeod as a full-time New Hope police officer, promoting the part-time officer after the retirement of Ken Kozuhowski following 25 years with the department.
McLeod has worked part time for New Hope since 2024 and completed the required civil service testing. The borough’s Civil Service Commission certified him as eligible for appointment, and Police Chief Kevin Edwards recommended his hiring at the contractual probationary salary.
Edwards told council McLeod has already proven valuable while the department has operated short-handed.
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“He’s been a lifesaver since coming here,” Edwards said. “We’ve been down quite a few officers lately, and he never says no.”
“Whatever I ask Officer McLeod to do, he shows up and he does it,” Edwards said.
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Edwards said McLeod should make for a “seamless replacement” as the department maintains its operations following Kozuhowski’s retirement.
Following council’s vote, McLeod was sworn in as a full-time officer.
His appointment came on the same night the borough formally recognized the officer he’s replacing.
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Kozuhocwski, known to many residents simply as “Officer Koz,” retired after 25 years of service to New Hope.
Mayor Frank DeLuca, a former New Hope police chief, recalled being chief when Kozuhocwski began his career with the borough and thanked him for his commitment to both the community and department.
Edwards said Kozuhowski’s approach to policing made him particularly recognizable around New Hope.
“Walk down Main Street with Officer Koz and you quickly realize just about everybody knows him,” Edwards said. “That’s because he took the time to know the people of this town.”
“He didn’t just sit in his patrol car and drive by,” Edwards continued. “He got out, walked the streets, talked with people, and built relationships.”
Kozuhowski understood that police work involved more than enforcement, the chief said.
“It’s about being present, building trust, and being part of the community you serve,” Edwards said.
Edwards had known Kozuhowski before becoming New Hope’s chief through the working relationship between the New Hope and Solebury police departments.
When Edwards later took over the New Hope department, he said Kozuhowski’s experience helped make the transition between chiefs easier.
“His experience, knowledge, and willingness to help were truly appreciated,” Edwards said.
“I hope you take pride in knowing that you made a difference in this community, and the relationships you built over the years will not be forgotten,” he told Kozuhowski.
Council also revealed another role Kujawski played behind the scenes.
During his final two years, he served as a negotiator for the police union during contract talks with the borough.
Council President Ken Maisel described Kozuhowski as extremely knowledgeable about the issues involved and “a dogged fighter,” noting that the borough and union made it through two contracts during that period.
