Korcek officially takes over as Carroll Township police chief

He joined the department in 2002 and has been serving as acting chief since Paul Brand retired.

When longtime Carroll Township Police Chief Paul Brand retired at the end of 2024, it marked the close of an era. Brand spent 37 years with the department, including 24 as chief, and became a familiar, steady presence in the community.

What followed, however, was not a dramatic change, but a smooth passing of the torch to someone shaped by the same values of service, consistency and care.

That someone is Chief John Korcek.

Korcek, who had served as acting chief since Brand’s retirement, was formally promoted during the township’s annual reorganization meeting last week.

For him, the moment was both meaningful and personal.

Brand was the one who hired him back in 2002, just days after Korcek graduated from the police academy.

“I learned a lot from Paul,” Korcek said. “He was always calm and always courteous. That stuck with me.”

Korcek’s path to the chief’s office spans more than two decades and reflects a career built on commitment and balance. He began his law enforcement career as a part-time officer with Carroll Township in 2002 while working full time for a municipal water department. For 20 years, he worked both jobs, eventually becoming a foreman for the water department while continuing to patrol nights and weekends.

“I stayed part time because I didn’t want to leave my other job,” he said. “It gave me stability, and I was still able to serve.”

After retiring from the water department, Korcek joined the Carroll Township Police Department full time in 2015. He was promoted to corporal in 2023 and stepped into the role of acting chief when Brand retired on Dec. 31, 2024.

Public service has long been a part of Korcek’s life. Before focusing solely on policing, he spent decades in the fire service, joining the former Ellsworth-Somerset Fire Department and working his way through the ranks to become fire chief.

As demands on his time grew, he stepped away from that role to focus on law enforcement, though his motivation remained unchanged.

“I’ve always liked helping people,” he said. “Whether it was the fire department or the police department, it all comes back to service.”

Today, Korcek leads a department of 24 officers, including five full-time officers and several part-time officers, many of whom also work full time for other departments.

Carroll Township covers a large area with a population of more than 5,000, presenting ongoing staffing and coverage challenges.

Despite the administrative responsibilities that come with the title, Korcek remains a working chief. He continues to answer calls, particularly during daytime hours, and spends time on patrol whenever possible.

“I was never a desk person,” he said. “I like being out there. I like being on the streets.”

After spending more than two decades working the midnight shift, adjusting to daylight hours took some time, but Korcek said he has grown to appreciate the change and the opportunity to interact with residents in different ways.

Brand, meanwhile, has remained connected to the department. He continues to work part time while also serving as a school police officer with the Ringgold School District.

Korcek has taken on the role of mentor for younger officers just beginning their careers. He emphasizes professionalism, strong report writing and treating people with respect, even in difficult situations.

“You see people on their worst days,” he said. “You see things most people never do. It’s a big responsibility.”

Outside of work, Korcek is firmly rooted in family life. He and his wife, Kathleen, a nurse, have a blended family of seven children and four grandchildren.

Korcek believes in raising responsible adults, a philosophy that carries into his leadership style. His children were never given special treatment because of his job, and he applies that same sense of accountability in his role as chief.

He measures success the same way he always has: by service and by family. Whether he’s leading a police department or sitting at a crowded holiday table surrounded by children and grandchildren, the values are the same. Show up. Do your best. Take care of people.

Policing has changed, and he doesn’t shy away from that reality.

Still, he believes the basics matter most: respect, accountability and a willingness to help.

As chief, he plans to keep building on those principles to guide the department.