‘Strong leader.’ State College selects its next chief of police to begin in 2026
The State College Borough Police Department will have a new chief next year, following the retirement of its longtime leader.
Joseph Merrill was selected as the next chief of police for the State College Police Department, borough manager Tom Fountaine announced during a borough council meeting Monday night. Merrill will replace John Gardner, who has been the police chief since 2016 and with the department since 1990. In February, he announced his plans to retire at the end of the year.
In a press release, Fountaine said Merrill will be a “strong leader” for the department. He has been the chief of police for Altoona since March 2021.
“The Borough of State College is looking forward to welcoming Joe Merrill to the State College Police Department,” Fountaine said. “Chief Merrill brings an excellent background and a record of leadership to the State College Police Department. During his career with the Altoona Police Department, he has held various roles, including serving as Interim Altoona City Manager.
“As a State College native, he also has good knowledge and understanding of the community. I am confident that he will be a strong leader for the State College Police Department.”
Merrill grew up in State College and graduated from the State College Area School District. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in crime, law and justice from Penn State. He was hired by the Altoona Police Department after graduation and has been working there for the last 20 years. He has since earned his master’s degree in criminal justice policy and administration from Penn State world campus, and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Police Staff and Command School.
In the release, Merrill said he is grateful to be selected as the next chief of police for State College.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to work side by side with the men and women of the Altoona Police Department for the last 20 years. However, I look forward to this next chapter of my career. I am excited for the opportunity to raise my children and serve in the community I still consider home,” Merrill said.
At Altoona, he held various positions. He was assigned to the patrol division and worked as a patrol supervisor, was on the Tactical Response Team, conducted internal affairs investigations and, for a significant period of time, was in charge of all departmental training, according to his biography presented during the meeting. Additionally, he conducted many criminal investigations while at the department.
Merrill will be the ninth chief in the department’s history. The department provides 24-hour police services to the State College borough and Harris and College townships. He is set to be sworn in on Jan. 5.
This story was originally published November 10, 2025 at 8:33 PM.
