Wednesday night, the Johnstown City Council voted to approve Lt. Robert Johnson’s three year contract as chief of the Johnstown Police Department.

Johnson will replace Interim Chief Jeff Janciga, who took the temporary position in October of 2016. The former police chief Craig Foust was placed on administrative leave in October after a police officer was accused of breaking into an evidence locker and overdosing on drugs. Foust retired in December 2016.

“There’s a lot of work to be done, but I’m excited for the challenges ahead, working with the men and women of the department as well as working with the citizens of Johnstown,” said Lt. Robert Johnson, the new chief of the Johnstown Police Department. 

Johnson is a native of Johnstown and has served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper for nearly 26 years. He said he’s looking forward to improving his hometown.

“I see it as a really unique opportunity to improve the community I’m a part of. That’s really important to me. I want to make it better,” Lt. Johnson said.

One area he plans to focus on is the city’s drug problem.

“We have a significant transient community of drug dealers that come in and pedal their drugs in our city and we have a transient community of users that come into the city and purchase narcotics. We want to address both of them to make our community a better place,” said Lt. Johnson.

Johnson said finances are also an issue for the city and the department. His hiring comes nearly a month after a temporary, city-wide hiring freeze was lifted. He wants to make sure the department has the equipment officers need.

“They need upgrades. Equipment, technological upgrades. They need new vehicles. Generally, budgetary issues are our biggest issue right now,” said Lt. Johnson.

In addition to the new chief, the Johnstown Police Department will also welcome two new police officers later in June.

Johnson said he’s already met with members of the police force to make the transition a smooth one.

“They are a group of individuals that want to be the best. They are very receptive to positive change. I’m sure they’re nervous. I’m a little nervous, but I think we’re going to be ok. There is a unique opportunity to do some special things in this city,” said Lt. Johnson.