The City of Bradford Police Department and the McKean County Housing Authority are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening community relationships, and improving the quality of life for residents living within Housing Authority properties throughout the City of Bradford and the community as a whole.
Through a recently approved memorandum of understanding (MOU), the McKean County Housing Authority and the City of Bradford have agreed to establish a dedicated full-time housing officer position within the City of Bradford Police Department. The officer will be assigned specifically to serve the Housing Authority properties located at 2 Bushnell Street, South Center Street, and Brookline Court, while also working collaboratively with residents, property management, community partners, and law enforcement personnel.
The City of Bradford Police Department’s goal is to reduce the number of calls for service within these areas through pro-active policing efforts. The housing officer will focus on protecting life and property, addressing quality-of-life concerns, building positive relationships with residents, and proactively addressing issues that impact the safety and well-being of the community.
The Housing Authority properties are home to residents of all ages, including many families with children. Both organizations share a common goal of ensuring that residents have access to safe and secure housing while fostering an environment where families can thrive.
Under the terms of the agreement, the McKean County Housing Authority will fund all costs associated with the housing officer position, including personnel expenses, equipment, uniforms, training, and a stipend toward a dedicated police vehicle. As a result, the program will be implemented at no additional cost to city taxpayers.
Chief Ward:
“This partnership represents an innovative approach to community policing and public safety,” said Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department. “I am excited to expand the services provided by our department while working directly with Housing Authority residents to address concerns, reduce crime, and improve quality of life. I would like to thank Mayor Tom Riel, Bradford City Council, City Administrator Eric Taylor, Housing Authority Executive Director Jeff Rieck, and the McKean County Housing Authority Board for their collaboration, vision, and support in making this initiative a reality.”
Director Rieck:
“We are thrilled to partner with The City of Bradford and the professionals within the Bradford Police Department,” said McKean County Housing Authority Executive Director, Jeff Rieck. “In speaking with housing authority residents and members of the community we believe this to be a huge step forward towards addressing some of their communicated concerns. This is absolutely a positive step contributing to us fulfilling our Mission! I echo Chief Michael P. Ward in thanking Mayor Tom Riel, Bradford City Council, City Administrator Eric Taylor, McKean County Housing Authority Board members Bob Douglas, Ruth Kelley, Carrie Klaiber, Michael Shuppenhaur, and Chelsea Cummins-Baxter all for their unwavering support. A special thank you to Chief Ward as well for working with us to make this happen. Lastly a big thank you to housing authority staff for their daily hard work in fulfilling our Mission and to Patty Fitzsimmons, Damian Sipko, and Solicitor Erik Ross for their expertise in ensuring a viable partnership with the City of Bradford.”
The Housing Officer program is expected to begin operations in early July 2026. Both organizations believe the partnership will serve as a model for collaborative community policing efforts and will provide lasting benefits to Housing Authority residents and the community as a whole.
For additional information, please contact:
City of Bradford Police Department
Chief Michael P. Ward
(814) 368-6133
McKean County Housing Authority
Jeff M. Rieck, Executive Director
(814) 887-5563 x-111
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