Ever since he was 10 years old, boxing in Police Athletic League events, Paul Ronca knew he wanted to join the boys in blue.

He eventually did, and nearly a quarter-century later, he is back in his home state, wearing blue, leading a force of about 20 full-time officers.

Mr. Ronca, 45, who grew up in Philadelphia, is Penn Township's new police chief. He started Oct. 1, bringing with him 24 years of experience, all with the Richmond, Va., department.

There were 70 applicants for the position, which was available following the July retirement of Michael Mastroianni, 56, a member of the township force for more than 30 years.

Mr. Ronca was hired in a unanimous vote of township commissioners in August. His five-year contract includes a starting salary of $80,000.

"Community policing is the same whether it's with a small department or large," Mr. Ronca said.

As commander of the 1st precinct in Richmond, he led a group of 119 officers. But there were occasions when he worked with smaller groups, such as street drug units, with about 15 officers.

"You're still taking a focused approach to the needs of the community," he said.

This smaller force in Penn Township will afford Mr. Ronca the opportunity to connect better with each officer.

"When you have 120 [officers], you really don't get to know them," he commented.

Currently, he is assessing Penn needs before he begins to address specific issues.

"Chief Mastroianni had a great working relationship with the community," he said.

Mr. Ronca became familiar with Western Pennsylvania when he was a student at Indiana University of Pa. He moved to Richmond after graduating.

About 15 years ago, he and his wife, Karen, targeted Western Pennsylvania as a place to retire. Visits to his brother, Michael, a Pittsburgh resident, confirmed that this was a place the Roncas "really liked."

Capt. Roger Russell worked with Mr. Ronca during his years on the Richmond police force, and said he is a respected professional with solid ideas on how to solve community problems.

"He has a real knack for recognizing resources outside the police force," Mr. Russell said.

"He is definitely a person of character. What you see is what you get."