Judge Jack Kearney was unanimously confirmed by both the Democratic and Republican caucuses 48-0 and appointed by Governor Shapiro in February to fill the vacancy for Magisterial District 05-3-17. Prior to, Jack served as Chief Deputy to Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus, and retired after 41 years’ of service.   Jack was sworn in as Chief Deputy of the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office on January 3, 2022, and appointed by Sheriff Kraus.  His responsibilities included carrying out Sheriff’s mandates, managing the daily operations of the agency across its three divisions and overseeing the Office’s 214 sworn and civilian employees.

As a 40- year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, he was hired by the late Sheriff Eugene Coon and promoted through the ranks to Sergent and Lieutenant, the position that he held for 17 years. He holds the distinction of working as a supervisor under four separate administrations and he was recognized for his comprehensive knowledge of agency function.

Since 2004, he served as Lieutenant of the Sheriff’s Office’s Investigations daylight and evening criminal and non-support fugitive squads. Reporting directly to the Chief Deputy on a host of investigative and security-related matters and was responsible for the direction and performance of all criminal, non-support and miscellaneous investigations. He has collaborated with federal and local law enforcement agencies across the country for the past 40 years that has led to the prompt detainment of countless dangerous fugitives and sexual predators wanted on high-profile homicide, felony and sexual assault warrants.

In 2006, he was recognized by the newly appointed Sheriff Bill Mullen as his first choice to receive the esteemed Law Enforcement Agency Directors Award for conducting tenacious and thorough investigations leading to the arrest of violent, egregious fugitives posing critical risk to public safety. Throughout the years to follow, Sheriff Mullen awarded him numerous commendations for key contributions to the arrest of warrant suspects. Over the course of 40 years, he and his squads apprehended more than 20,000 fugitives. He has also received acknowledgments from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for his critical assistance in the solution of major crimes cases.

For 24 years, Jack had the responsibility of serving as Team Security Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers and traveled with the team to ensure the team’s safe travels when leaving their home here in Pittsburgh.

Judge Jack has resided in his community for more than 30 years with his wife Michele and is dedicated to their community. Growing up in the Montour School District, he has resided throughout his life in the West/Airport corridor.

Magisterial District 05-3-17 serves the communities of North Fayette, Findlay, Oakdale Borough, and McDonald in (Allegheny County).