Upper Darby Police welcome two new officers, promote one from within

Superintendent of Police Timothy M. Bernhardt of the Upper Darby Police Department puts the department’s mission in fairly simple terms on its website.

There he writes that he and the department are “dedicated to serving each and every citizen with the utmost respect, dignity, and professionalism.” 

“It is our interaction with you, the community, which makes us better and stronger in our efforts to serve and protect you,” he said. “Our department’s goal is to assure that every member of this community is safe.”

To continue that mission, two new officers (and the internal promotion of another) was reason to celebrate at this week’s township meeting. On April 8, Officer Daniel Connell was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

Sgt. Connel has been a member of the UDPD since 2018. In 2021, he moved to the Highway Patrol Motorcycle Unit. He was joined by his wife, Gianna, daughter, Lola, and family and friends for his promotion during the township’s meeting.

Upper Darby Mayor Ed Brown, in addition to promoting Sergeant Connell, also swore in two new officers to the Upper Darby Police Department during the early April gathering.

Michael Clark, a 2018 Interboro High School graduate, had previously been a patrol officer for the Collingdale Borough Police Department, as well as the Upper Providence Township Police Department. He too took the oath during Wednesday’s meeting.

Austin Mahle was also welcomed to the UDPD. Officer Mahle is a Ridley High School graduate. He began his law enforcement career as an officer with Lincoln University Police Department and worked part-time with the Prospect Park Police Department prior to joining the UDPD.    

Congratulations to all three!