Council Honors the Memory of Former Phoenixville Police Chief

Phoenixville Borough Council honored John Kalavik, former police chief in the borough, with a moment of silence at Tuesday’s meeting.

Kalavik was appointed chief in 1996, after more than two years of serving as acting chief, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Residents came out to urge council to support his appointment. Prior to that, Kalavik, who grew up in the borough, served as a patrolman and sergeant, according to his obituary. He passed away March 6 at 64 years old.

Mayor Leo Scoda said Kalavik was instrumental in the borough’s revitalization.

“The downtown revitalization would never take place if we didn’t clean up the downtown area, and it was through Chief Kalavik’s effort that that effort began and continues through this day,” Scoda said.

Kalavik helped start the bicycle patrol in the town. He also focused on professionalism and making sure his officers were well trained.

“He also was very concerned that his officers receive the best training, and the groundwork that was laid by Chief Kalavik and followed up by Chief [William] Mossman in seeking out the training for our officers has led to Phoenixville’s police force becoming one of the most respected police forces in Chester County,” Scoda said.

Councilman James Evans echoed Scoda’s praise for Kalavik, and noted that Kalavik’s efforts aided in cleaning up some of the north side drug problems.

“He was a fantastic chief of police and one of the best men I ever met in my life,” Evans said. “I will truly miss the man.”

Council President Richard Kirkner worked with Kalavik as a reporter and then a councilman and knew him as a resident.

“ [Kalavik] had upgraded the level of professionalism in the police department. He advanced that significantly and the level of training continues to this day,” Kirkner said. “And I know many people cite the level of professionalism in our police department, and that is a big step that was taken when John Kalavik was chief.”

Scoda said that council grieves with Kalavik’s family and mourns the loss of the former police chief.

“There are many, many things that John had a connection with in many parts of this community and we certainly thank him for everything he did over the years,” Scoda said. “We certainly will miss him.”