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White Oak Introduces New Police Chief Jason Binder; Council Records August Activity and Approves Personnel Actions
Summary
Mayor Diana Martin introduced Chief Jason Binder, sworn in Sept. 3, and the council recorded August police activity numbers. The council accepted the resignation of Patrol Officer Gerasimos Athens and approved an MOU with FOB Lodge 91.
Mayor Diana Martin introduced Jason Binder as the Borough of White Oak’s new chief of police at the Sept. 15 council meeting, saying Binder was sworn into office on Sept. 3. The mayor described Binder’s prior service with the Allegheny County Police, where, she said, he served as an inspector and as a detective‑division commander; she also cited prior patrol and investigative assignments and said he completed an FBI leadership program in 2022.
Why it matters: A change in police leadership can affect departmental priorities, community relations and ongoing public‑safety projects.
Chief introduction and background “I am so happy to introduce all of you to our new chief,” Mayor Diana Martin said when presenting Chief Jason Binder to the council and public. Martin invited attendees to meet Binder after the meeting.
Council recorded August police activity In the mayor’s report, Diana Martin summarized police activity for August 2025: 14 alarm calls; two warrant arrests; 32 total tow/traffic stops; 43 traffic citations; 19 vehicle accidents; seven domestic‑related incidents; one protection‑from‑abuse (PFA) served; three criminal arrests (including three simple assault arrests and one harassment); seven narcotics‑related incidents; two public intoxication incidents; three retail‑theft incidents; one theft; and a total of 204 reported incidents for the month.
Personnel and agreements approved Laura Schroeder, chair of Public Safety, moved to accept the resignation of Patrol Officer Gerasimos Athens, effective Aug. 28, 2025; the motion passed. Schroeder also moved to approve a memorandum of understanding between FOB Lodge 91 and the borough and authorized execution of the MOU; that motion passed as well.
Distinguishing types of council action - Discussion: The mayor presented a ceremonial introduction of the new chief and reviewed monthly police statistics. - Direction/assignment: Mayor Martin invited the public to meet Chief Binder after the meeting; the department will continue routine reporting of monthly activity. - Formal action: Council accepted Officer Athens’s resignation and approved the MOU with FOB Lodge 91; both motions passed by voice vote.
What to expect next Council did not set additional personnel actions at this meeting. Mayor Martin and Chief Binder encouraged community members to introduce themselves at the post‑meeting reception.
