HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell said he will appoint Jon D. Kurtz, the director of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, as the department’s deputy commissioner of staff.
“Major Kurtz has served with distinction in crime, patrol and vice units during his 23-year career,” Rendell said. “He is a seasoned commander who comes highly recommended by Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller.”
As deputy commissioner of staff, Kurtz will hold the rank of lieutenant colonel and will oversee the operations of the State Police bureaus of forensic services, records and identification, research and development, staff services, and technology services.
“One of Major Kurtz’s primary missions will be to ensure that the department continues its effort to deploy the latest technology to help our troopers provide the best possible service to the citizens of the commonwealth,” Miller said.
Kurtz, 47, of Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, enlisted in the State Police in 1984. As he progressed through the ranks, he served at stations in Montoursville, Dunmore, Stonington, Lamar and Harrisburg and with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. He also has served as commanding officer of Troop H, Harrisburg, and commander of State Police Area I, which includes Troop H, Harrisburg; Troop J, Lancaster; Troop L, Reading, and Troop T, Pennsylvania Turnpike.
He has been the director of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation since March 10, 2007.
A native of South Williamsport, Kurtz received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Mansfield University in 1983. He is married to the former Beth Ellen Fetterman. They have two sons, Joshua and Justin.
Kurtz replaces Coleman McDonough, who is retiring after more than 23 years of service with the department. Kurtz’s appointment is effective Jan. 12.