John Otto was born in raised in Penn Township, graduating from Penn-Trafford High School. He continued to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania where he earned a BS in Criminal Justice and immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Otto then completed the police academy and was hired by the Penn Township Police Department, serving in various roles including the departments first School Resource Officer, K9, tactics, PIO, first line supervision, and was eventually promoted to Chief of Police.

Otto attended night school and earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Geneva college. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy as well as the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command and the Pennsylvania State Police Leadership Development Program.

Otto officially retired from the police department on July 1, 2026 after 31 years of service to the residents of Penn Township/Penn Trafford.

Otto is married and has two son’s whom both graduated from Penn-Trafford High School. Jake attends Case Western Reserve University studying Mechanical Engineering and Keith attends Grove City College, studying History/Education. Both are varsity athletes at their respective schools. Otto also has two adult step-children and three grandchildren.

In his free-time, Otto enjoys playing cards, riding his motorcycle or snowmobile, and officiates WPIAL basketball throughout Westmoreland County.