Holland native Martin F. McDonough is a county detective with 32 years of law enforcement experience
By Tom Waring
The Times
Martin F. McDonough, a county detective with 32 years of law enforcement experience, was recently sworn in as chief of the Bucks County Detectives by Common Pleas Court Judge Diane E. Gibbons.
McDonough’s swearing-in ceremony took place in the Justice Center’s ceremonial courtroom, which was packed to capacity with fellow detectives and police officers, prosecutors, court personnel and other friends, family, colleagues and well-wishers.
McDonough, 55, succeeds former Chief of Detectives Christopher F. McAteer, who retired April 1 after a 45-year career in law enforcement.
“You check all of the boxes, Marty,” said District Attorney Matthew D. Weintraub, who promoted McDonough to the position. “You’re an excellent detective, highly organized, but you’re Everyman, too.”
Weintraub described McDonough as a professional who is accessible, assertive, open-minded, compassionate and in possession of a keen sense of humor.
“I know that I have selected somebody that I can count on,” Weintraub said. “I also know that I’ve selected someone to be the chief of County Detectives that you all can count on. He’s going to be a wonderful partner in continuing to keep the citizens of Bucks County safe for the future, and to leave a lasting legacy beyond that.”
A native of Holland, McDonough attended Spring Garden College and Temple University, and is a 2015 graduate of the FBI National Academy. He worked as a dispatcher for Northampton Township for five years before becoming a patrol officer in Warrington Township in 1987.
He served as a patrolman and detective sergeant in Warwick Township for 13 years before joining the county detectives in 2000. He also has spent 30 years as an active volunteer firefighter for Northampton and Warwick townships.
Gibbons, who first met McDonough as a young prosecutor in the District Attorney’s Office, called him “a person who deserves support, who deserves respect, who deserves to be where he is today,” saying she was “very happy and very pleased” by his selection.
“Everybody in this county should be very grateful,” the judge said. “Mr. Weintraub made an excellent choice.”
In his new role, McDonough directs a unit composed of 23 detectives, who lead or assist municipal departments in investigations of the county’s highest-profile and most complex criminal cases.
“I’m grateful to District Attorney Weintraub for the opportunity he has given me and am excited to start this new chapter of my career,” McDonough said. “I have worked with the smartest and brightest group of detectives, and now I’m proud and honored to be called chief of their unit.”
McDonough also paid tribute to his predecessor, McAteer, who had served as a county detective since 1997. McAteer began his career with the Bristol Township Police Department before serving as a narcotics agent with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. After becoming a county detective, he was promoted to deputy chief in 2004 and chief in 2009.
“Thank you, Chris McAteer, for putting together such an excellent team; you’ve put me in a great position to succeed,” McDonough said.
As he was sworn in, McDonough stood with his wife of 32 years and their two adult daughters, while his parents and other relatives and friends looked on. He concluded the ceremony by thanking those “who kept me grounded, who made me the person and the man I am today.” ••
