August 25, 2025

Colleagues and family gathered to honor the retirement of Police Chief Rodney O’Neill and show appreciation for the Chester Housing Authority (CHA) Police Department on Thursday, Aug. 7th.

“I’ve just always enjoyed the work,” O’Neill said. “To me, it was never a job. In the almost 50 years of police work, I’ve never worked a day in my life. I’ve always just enjoyed it.”

There was no shortage of kind words for O’Neill.

Speech after speech, his colleagues, former employees and family showered him with praise for his nearly 25 years of service. CEO Cindy Thompson and General Legal Counsel Maria M. Zissimos presented him with an award as well as a dedication of the newly renamed street, O’Neill’s Way. O'Neill's Way is located in front of the William Penn Community Center in honor of the police chief’s service and his dedication to the children of CHA.

Other highlights of the event included a slideshow of pictures showcasing O’Neill’s career, delicious catered food, and flower arrangements from CHA’s Ruth Bennett Community Farm. O’Neill was gifted a print of “The Runaway” painting by Norman Rockwell to acknowledge how much he supported the children of CHA over his 24-year career with the housing authority.

He began his career with CHA in 2001 as Captain and was quickly promoted a year later to Chief. He also took on the role of Director of Police Services in 2004. During his tenure, O’Neill oversaw 16 police officers with full arrest powers and the 24/7 Dispatch Communications Center which had 17 employees.

Throughout his time at CHA, he played a vital role in updating technological systems, such as the telephone and dispatch system, as well as placing surveillance cameras at the administrative office and in three of CHA’s family sites: the William Penn Homes, Wellington Ridge Development, and the Ruth L. Bennett Homes.

O’Neill already had a storied career before he found himself at CHA. His career includes a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, being a member of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Drug Task Force, and several roles within the Norristown Police Department, such as Patrol Officer, Patrol Commander and Commander of the Criminal Investigative Division.

When asked what comes after his retirement, O’Neill said he doesn’t know quite yet. Primarily, he looks forward to spending more quality time with his grandchildren, Chloe and Bella.

“I’m really happy I got to know Chloe and Bella,” O’Neill said. “That’s what I do right now, be there for them.”

CHA also acknowledged the contributions of the police department and presented every department employee with an award of recognition.