Punxsutawney Police Department

03/03/2026

Are you looking for a career with purpose, stability, and a chance to make a real difference? The Punxsutawney Borough Police Department is now accepting applications for new officers!

Whether you are a seasoned professional or looking to start a brand-new career path.

Why Join Us?
Get Paid to Train: We offer a strong starting wage from day one. If you aren't Act 120 certified, we’ll cover your training costs and pay your training salary while you attend the academy.

Excellent Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and a stable retirement package.

Career Growth: Join a supportive department that invests in your professional development.

How to Apply
Ready to take the next step? You can grab an application in two ways:

Online: Download the form at www.punxsutawneyboro.com

In Person: Stop by the Police Department at the Borough building to pick one up.

📅 DEADLINE: All applications must be submitted by March 19th at 4:00 PM.

The Punxsutawney Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A commemorative bell was installed at the Punxsutawney Borough Complex on December 3, 2025 as part of Bells Across PA, an initiative by America250PA.

12/15/2025

Yesterday the Punxsutawney Borough Police hosted the 2025 shop with a cop program. We would like to thank every one that volunteered and helped this program in anyway! This program has grown bigger over the years and it wouldn’t be possible without all of our volunteers and donors. A special thanks to Jan Bosak for her months of hard work organizing the event. Thank you Jason (Santa Claus) and Autumn Kunselman, Luke Riddle (The Grinch of Punxsutawney), Punxsutawney Walmart staff, PSP, Jefferson county EMS and the future health and emergency services club, Elk Run Fire Department and anyone else we may have forgotten!

A special thanks to donors:

Queen Bees Sweet Sips
Brody’s BBQ
Walmart Punxsutawney
The Chuck Wagon
Priority First Federal Credit Union
Thermal-Gard Building Products, Inc.
Punxsutawney Lions Club
Brenda Burkett- R&B Drilling
John W. Jenks - Hobah Lodge No. 276
Tabitha Conrad
John Fearnow
Carrie and Will Ford
EMM Chevrolet

Thank you all for making this holiday season a little brighter for children in our community! 🎄

07/29/2025

National Night Out is approaching fast. Mark your calendars and come out and join our amazing community for a great evening!

05/22/2025

The Punxsutawney Borough Police Department is currently seeking motivated individuals interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.

If you are selected and not Act 120 qualified the applicant will be paid a 40 hour per week training wage with health benefits while attending the act 120 Police Academy. This will require entering into a Five [5] Year Agreement with the Borough of Punxsutawney. If leaving the Police Force after One [1] year, a mandatory 80% payback of training costs will be required. After Two [2] years, a 60% payback. Three [3] years, a 40% payback. Four [4] years, a 20% payback.

Act 120 qualified applicants are not required to enter into a training agreement.

The Testing Process necessary for this position will require the candidates to successfully complete Written, Oral and Physical fitness exams. Physical fitness and Written exams will be conducted on June, 14th 2025.

Minimum Qualifications

*Must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age
*Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle License
*Must pass a physical and psychological exam, as well as a drug screening
*Must have the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions
*Must possess a diploma from an accredited High School or Graduate Equivalency Diploma
*Must meet all of the requirements of the Punxsutawney Borough [Police] Civil Service Rules and Regulations, which will also include a background check.

Benefits include
* Starting salary of $50,000 annually
* Health, dental, and vision insurance
* Short-term disability coverage
* Sick, personal, and vacation days
* Pension upon reaching retirement

Applications may be obtained at the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department, 301 East Mahoning St. Punxsutawney, Pa. during the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday - Friday or online at https://www.punxsutawneyboro.com/

Completed applications need returned to the Punxsutawney Borough Police by Monday June 9th, 2025 at 4:00 pm. EOE

10/22/2024

Attention residents that live on the 200 block of Woodland Avenue. Penelec will be in that area trimming trees on both sides of the street this Thursday October 24th from 10 am- 2pm. Penelec is asking that you do not park on the street during that time.

08/13/2024

08/06/2024

With the predicted severe weather entering our area this evening National Night Out will be postponed until August 13th 2024 from 5pm-8pm. If you are a vendor for this event and can’t attend next week please let us know.

The food vendors have opened for lunch today if anyone would like to stop down.

07/26/2024

The Punxsutawney Borough Police Department is currently seeking motivated individuals interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement.

If you are selected and not Act 120 qualified the applicant will be paid a 40 hour per week training wage with health benefits while attending the act 120 Police Academy. This will require entering into a Five [5] Year Agreement with the Borough of Punxsutawney. If leaving the Police Force after One [1] year, a mandatory 80% payback of training costs will be required. After Two [2] years, a 60% payback. Three [3] years, a 40% payback. Four [4] years, a 20% payback.

Act 120 qualified applicants are not required to enter into a training agreement.

The Testing Process necessary for this position will require the candidates to successfully complete Written, Oral and Physical fitness exams.

Minimum Qualifications

*Must be a United States citizen and at least 21 years of age
*Must possess a valid Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle License
*Must pass a physical and psychological exam, as well as a drug screening
*Must have the ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions
*Must possess a diploma from an accredited High School or Graduate Equivalency Diploma
*Must meet all of the requirements of the Punxsutawney Borough [Police] Civil Service Rules and Regulations, which will also include a background check.

Benefits include
* Starting salary of $50,000 annually
* Health, dental, and vision insurance
* Short-term disability coverage
* Sick, personal, and vacation days
* Pension upon reaching retirement

Applications may be obtained at the Punxsutawney Borough Police Department, 301 East Mahoning St. Punxsutawney, Pa. during the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday - Friday

Completed applications need returned by Monday August 5th, 2024 at 4:00 pm. EOE

06/17/2024

Sharing a message from the Borough Manager.

I wanted to share as we approach the long days of summer, citizens should be aware of the dangers of high heat advisories and to take precautions to help mitigate the conditions. As of right now, we are looking at a high heat advisory through June 21. I recently read an article that stated last year approximately 1200 people died from heat related injuries as opposed to 300 who died from hurricanes. Thus, it is a serious concern, especially because high heat could have an effect and exacerbates pre existing medical conditions.

Just a few precautions to take, have a plan to go somewhere where there is air conditioning if you live in a place that does not have it. A fan is not a suitable mitigation tactic, especially if the heat stays high for multiple days in a row. Once the heat saturation sits into a location, all a fan does is move the heat around, very much akin to how a clothes dryer works.

Furthermore, hydrate! Our bodies cool through sweat and we need to be well hydrated to assist in that process.

Additionally, if you have pets, they too feel the effects so what you do for yourself, works for them also.

Lastly, take some preventative steps to prepare your appliances. Clean/replace filters on air conditioning units. Vacuum dust from under refrigerators and freezers.

For additional information, keep an eye on Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services page.


Dr. William "Spence" Spencer, Ph.D., CEM
Punxsutawney Borough Manager