Thomas Nestel III hired as SEPTA transit police chief
Jeremy Roebuck and Bonnie Cook share the stories behind their Montco beat.
Thomas Nestel III hired as SEPTA transit police chief
SEPTA has hired Thomas Nestel III, Upper Moreland Township’s police chief, as the transit agency’s new top cop. He starts Aug. 20.
Nestel, a fourth-generation police officer, will blend the career of his paternal grandfather, who was a PTC trolley supervisor, with that of his maternal grandfather, a Philadelphia police officer.
Nestel began his career in law enforcement in 1982 as a patrol officer with the SEPTA Transit Police, before becoming a member of the Philadelphia Police Department where he dedicated more than 22 years and attained the rank of Staff Inspector.
He served in the 14th, 25th, 26th and 35th Districts, Highway Patrol, Northwest Detectives, Internal Affairs, Narcotics, and Intelligence. He earned 24 commendations.
"Chief Nestel is a distinguished professional with 30 years of experience who brings a wealth of law enforcement experience, knowledge and educational training to the SEPTA Transit Police Department," said GM Joseph M. Casey. "We are thrilled to welcome him 'back home' to the SEPTA team."
Chief Nestel holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College, and Master's Degrees in Public Safety, National Security Studies, and Criminology from Saint Joseph's University, the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, and University of Pennsylvania, respectively.
He is presently working on his dissertation, towards a Doctorate in Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. Nestel and his family live in Northeast Philadelphia.
Dont' forget his father tom former deputy commissioner— ABAZZ30- Well, at least this guy has an education, Congrats.— NICOT
- I wish him luck.— phillysgr8
- Another family slopping at the public trough for generations. You would think someone from the family could become productive, even if by dumb luck. A double -dipper I see, as well.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt
- He's an honest, hard-working man. And SEPTA is not a city agency.— bravehearted
- All the educaton and experience and of course he wasn't even considered for Police Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner in Philadelphia. I wonder why? Could it be that there hasn't been a white male promoted to Police Commissioner from within the ranks of the Philly P.D. since 1985. Affirmative action is a wonderful thing.— Mr. Barffington
- What isn't mentioned is that he has been Chief of Police in Upper Moreland Township for the past few years. I've met him. He is straight-forward and hard working and will be an asset to the SEPTA system. Congrats Chief Nestel!— joe in the burbs
- First sentence: SEPTA has hired Thomas Nestel III, Upper Moreland Township’s police chief, as the transit agency’s new top cop.— bk3131
- Not to mention he's wearing an Upper Moreland PD uniform.— zsaru
Contact Davis at cdavis@phillynews.com or 610-313-8109.
Contact Parks at 610-313-8117, jparks@philly.com, or https://twitter.com/JS_Parks.
