The three newest Chester County Detectives: from left, John O’Donnell, Keith Cowdright and Ben Martin.
WEST CHESTER — It seems the loss for three local police departments will be the gain for the Chester County Detectives as the office formally announced the hiring of three veteran police officers to its staff, Monday.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced the hiring of John O’Donnell, Keith Cowdright and Ben Martin — all of whom had distinguished careers in local law enforcement as the newest Chester County Detectives.
“We are fortunate to have extremely strong law enforcement in Chester County,” Hogan said in a statement. “These three detectives were chosen out of scores of applicants after a rigorous examination of their work history and a demanding interview process. They are strong additions to our already strong team.”
Adding investigators with such strong backgrounds will make detective unit that much more effective, the unit’s Chief, Kevin Dykes said.
“These three new detectives bring a tremendous amount of experience and diverse skills to the Chester County Detectives. Chester County police departments train outstanding investigators, giving the District Attorney’s Office a vast array of potential candidates when we have an opening for a new detective.”
The three detectives have a deep and diverse set of experiences working for local police departments.
O’Donnell has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, with more than 25 years serving with the West Chester Borough Police Department. He has worked patrol, drugs, major crimes, and community relations. He received his undergraduate degree from West Chester University.
Cowdright has been a police officer for 15 years. Most recently, he was a Detective Sergeant for the New Garden Township Police Department, where he has served since 2005. He has prior experience working for the Coatesville Police Department, Chester County Sheriffs Office, and Chester County Prison. He has worked major investigations with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Martin has been a police officer with the East Pikeland Township Police Department for 10 years. He served as a Detective Corporal for East Pikeland, investigating financial crimes, drug crimes, and other major cases. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees from West Chester University, and currently is working towards his Ph.D. in Leadership. Detective Martin’s father, Frank Martin, was a long-time and well-respected member of the Chester County Detectives who retired in 2012.
The new detectives will be formally sworn in by the Honorable Anthony Sarcione at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017, in Courtroom 12.
