Ryncavage: New Regional Department Goes Live Following Three-Year Planning Effort

January 2, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Alec Ryncavage (R-Luzerne) announced today that the West Side Regional Police Department is officially live and operational as of midnight on Jan. 1, marking a historic moment for public safety on the west side.

“After years of being told ‘it will never happen’ and ‘it’s been tried before,’ I’m proud to say that the West Side Regional Police Department is now a reality,” Ryncavage said. “Since March of 2023, I’ve had the opportunity to help guide these two municipalities to yesterday’s launch of northeast Pennsylvania’s newest regional police force.”

After 33 months and hundreds of hours of meetings, Edwardsville and Larksville boroughs have formally transitioned into a unified department, ending decades of competition for officers and resources.

“These communities will no longer compete for talent and equipment,” Ryncavage added. “Instead, we’re increasing community presence and accountability, while giving officers the opportunity to grow into specialized roles, including investigative work. That ultimately strengthens the level of service residents receive.”

Ryncavage noted the success of the initiative was driven by collaboration from the start.

“What I am most proud of is that we accomplished this with the support and participation of every single officer, beginning with the very first meeting,” Ryncavage said. “This was built with the officers, not around them.”

He also credited municipal leadership for carrying the effort forward.

“This milestone would not have been possible without the tireless commitment of the borough managers, secretaries, council members, mayors, and especially the current and former officers and chiefs of Edwardsville and Larksville,” Ryncavage said. “Each chose to rise above individual interests and work toward something greater for the community.”

Recent Updates
At its Dec. 18, 2025, meeting, the West Side Regional Police Commission announced Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Joseph Coffay will serve as the incoming chief of police. Coffay will retire from the Wilkes-Barre Police Department on Jan. 12 and transition into the role shortly thereafter. The commission also named Craig Cebrick as captain and John Edwards as sergeant of the new department.

In addition, Larksville Borough has acquired the former St. Anthony’s Church campus at Jackson and Pace streets as the future headquarters for the department. The vacant site, located along the border of both boroughs, will be demolished and remediated as part of a broader neighborhood improvement effort.

“The redevelopment will eliminate a longtime eyesore while laying the groundwork for a modern public-safety facility,” Ryncavage said.

Recruitment Ongoing
The West Side Regional Police Department is currently accepting applications for lateral transfers and new officers. Applications and resumes must be submitted to the West Side Regional Police Commission and are available at the Larksville Borough Building, 211 E. State St., Larksville.

Representative Alec Ryncavage
119th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com