Ferguson Township police chief resigns months before his contract was set to expire
Ferguson Township’s top police officer resigned earlier this month, a move that capped his brief tenure with the department.
Ferguson Township police Chief John Petrick’s last day was Sept. 6, township Manager Centrice Martin wrote Wednesday in an email to the Centre Daily Times. His two-year contract was set to expire at the end of the year.
She thanked him for his service to the township.
“Both he and the Township have agreed to part ways after the expiration of the current agreement, and because of this, he has left the Township before the end of the calendar year, which allows the Township to begin its succession planning and allow him to consider the next steps in his own career,” Martin wrote.
Petrick started as chief in January 2023. At the time, it was his fourth department in less than eight years. His initial base salary was $125,000. He succeeded Chris Albright, who retired from his hometown police department in 2022.
Sgt. Shawn Morrison has led the 21-person department since Petrick’s resignation.
The Ferguson Township Police Officers’ Association “extends its best wishes to John Petrick in all his future endeavors,” union President Dan Lewis told the CDT.
“As our department searches for new leadership, our members remain committed to delivering excellent service to our Township residents,” Lewis wrote in a text message. “Thank you for your continued support during this transition.”
The township plans to facilitate a recruitment to fill the position, Martin wrote. Members of law enforcement, community organizations and neighboring municipalities will be invited to participate in an interview panel.
A question about the township’s timeline to have the position filled went unanswered.
The township is looking for its next chief to have at least five years of experience in a command position with an agency of a similar size, Martin wrote, adding that the ideal candidate would also have a grasp of modern police practices and embrace self-reflection, strategic planning and data-driven decision-making while upholding a ethical and moral standards.
“The next police chief will be communicative, open and transparent with a strong commitment to communication and collaboration,” Martin wrote. “An engaging, collaborative leader who is able to build and maintain strong relationships with a strategic approach to planning for the future and managing the complex needs of public safety.”
Petrick was the second local police chief to resign this year in Centre County.
Former Bellefonte police Chief Shawn Weaver abruptly stepped down in the wake of two of his officers resigning, including at least one who faced termination if he did not voluntarily leave. Weaver led the department for nearly 18 years.
Borough Council voted last week to offer the position to Bill Witmer, the department’s detective who has about two decades of law enforcement experience.
This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 9:46 AM.