Politics & Government

Bendig Named Acting Chief of Montgomery Township Police

With Chief Richard Brady on vacation until his October retirement, former Deputy Chief J. Scott Bendig steps up to run Montgomery Township Police Department

Meet the new boss.

After 23 years to the month with the department, Montgomery Township Deputy Chief J. Scott Bendig has stepped into the shoes of his mentor, Chief Richard Brady, after being named acting chief of Montgomery Township Police Monday night.

Brady is retiring on October 1, but is on accumulated vacation and personal leave time until then.

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"Thank you very much. I'm very honored. I've got large shoes to fill, but I'm up to the task and I do appreciate the opportunity," Bendig said. "I'm looking forward to working with everybody."

Supervisors Chairman and Vice Chairman Candyce Chimera and Joe Walsh said they were happy to have Bendig on board.

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"Now you get to sit in the front of the room as oppose to the back," said Supervisor Robert Birch, 

"I just have to be careful I don't fall off the edge here," joked Bendig, about his seat located at the end of the table at the front of the meeting room. It's the same spot where his predecessor used to sit.

Township Manager Larry Gregan said a new nameplate for Bendig is on its way.

Bendig has worked his way up the ranks since being hired as a patrol officer in July 1989.

During his tenure, Bendig has served as a canine handler, D.A.R.E. instructor and field training officer.

Bendig became corporal in June 2000 and sergeant in June 2002. He was named deputy chief on August 9, 2010.

Bendig is an alumnus of Temple University and West Chester University, earning a bachelor's and master's in criminal justice, respectively. He attended the FBI Academy 216th Session in 2004.

Bendig is married to Florence and has two children, Courtney and Bryan.

And if you're wondering - as Walsh did at Monday night's meeting - the "J" in J. Scott Bendig stands for John.


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