Former Police Commissioner Returns to Bethlehem

Former Bethlehem Police Commissioner Stuart J. Bedics is coming back to work in the city.

On Monday, the Lehigh University Police Department announced that it has appointed Bedics to its newly created position of assistant police chief.

Bedics retired from the Bethlehem Police Department in 2011, leaving to become chief of police at DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township. He becomes Lehigh’s new assistant chief on Monday.

In his new role, Bedics will assist current LUPD Chief Ed Shupp in the day-to-day operations of the 34-member department and in other administrative duties.

Bedics began his police career with Bangor Borough and Lower Saucon Township after graduating from the Allentown Police Academy in 1984. He joined the Bethlehem City Police Department in 1987 and rose through the ranks to become its commissioner.

During his tenure as commissioner of Bethlehem Police Department, he worked in close partnership with LUPD to enhance the Community Police Program, and collaborate on technological improvements that benefit both departments, according to a university news release.

Shupp said that Bedics’ depth of experience with running a citywide police force, combined with his most recent experience as chief of a university police department, made him an ideal choice for the role.

“Stu has been a professional colleague for many years, and I’ve always been impressed with his command of the law, his level of dedication, his integrity, and of his ability to lead,” Shupp said.

“He brings nearly 30 years of experience, which will help us better serve the Lehigh campus and the neighborhoods surrounding our campus. He understands the campus, our culture, and our students, and I expect a very smooth transition into this new role.”

The assistant chief position was created through strategic re-allocation of department funds and re-configuring of other department positions.