Sergeant Melissa McKenna has proudly served with the SEPTA Transit Police Department for the past eight years. Her career began as a patrol officer where she served for three years before moving into a specialized role as a detective in the Special Investigations Unit, a position she held for four years. In July 2024 her exemplary work and leadership earned her a promotion to Sergeant.
The role of a police sergeant requires deep knowledge of law, policies, and procedures, along with the ability to communicate effectively with subordinates, peers, and the public. Sergeant McKenna excels in these areas. She brings an inherent passion for public service building strong relationships not only with the community she serves but with fellow SEPTA employees and managerial partners across the Authority.
Her leadership is especially visible in District patrols of the Broad Street Line including NRG Station—a key location during major events at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Sergeant McKenna’s professionalism and reliability have earned her the respect, trust, and admiration of colleagues throughout the organization many of whom specifically request her assistance on joint efforts.
Sergeant McKenna’s leadership style is defined by her problem-solving abilities, organization, optimism, strong faith, and commitment to service. These qualities have opened numerous doors for her. She is a certified Crisis Intervention Specialist trained by Montgomery County Emergency Services (MCES) to de-escalate high-stress situations involving individuals experiencing mental health crises. Additionally she completed hostage negotiation training in 2023 and is now an active member of the department’s Crisis Response Team (CRT).
The CRT is a dedicated group of sworn officers available 24/7 to provide trauma-informed compassionate care to fellow law enforcement professionals dealing with mental health challenges. Sergeant McKenna plays a vital role in offering peer support, crisis response, and stress management helping her colleagues navigate both professional pressures and personal hardships.
Sergeant McKenna continues to serve as a pillar of strength, empathy, and excellence, setting a high standard for leadership in modern policing.
Thank you Sergeant McKenna for your service!
About SEPTA Transit Police:
Since 1981 the Transit Police Department has focused on ensuring the safety of customers and protecting SEPTA property and staff. The department covers the entire regional SEPTA system across five Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia) and three states (Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania), with nearly 250 sworn officers serving. Divided into three patrol districts officers respond quickly to emergencies and address local concerns. Additionally specially trained units offer specialized support for policing the transit system.