By Liz Zemba
Tribune-Review
GREENSBURG, Pa. — A retired state trooper has been named chief adult probation officer for Fayette County.
James “Cass” Caccimelio will assume leadership of the adult probation office on Aug. 10, President Judge John F. Wagner said on Friday.
Wagner said he selected Caccimelio, a retired state trooper who is the county’s chief detective, from a pool of six applicants.
“Based on his administrative law enforcement background, I thought he was the most qualified candidate,” said Wagner, following the noon announcement in Courtroom 1 at the courthouse in Uniontown.
Caccimelio replaces Louis Lazar, who retired in June.
Caccimelio will direct a staff of 26 probation officers and six clerical employees. He said he plans no immediate changes to the office.
“I’m flattered to have this opportunity,” said Caccimelio, who addressed a number of the office’s employees who turned out for the brief announcement. “You’re an integral part of the judicial system in this county, and I relish the opportunity to work with you.”
Judge Nancy Vernon, who worked with Caccimelio for a number of years when she was district attorney, described him as “calm, issue-oriented and focused, which will be a great attribute for the adult probation office.”
Caccimelio has a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Penn State University. He was a state trooper for 26 years before he retired in January 2011. He was named chief county detective with the district attorney’s office in December 2011.
Caccimelio’s departure leaves the county with one detective, Tim Knapp. District Attorney Jack Heneks said he was aware of Caccimelio’s plans and has begun a search for a replacement.