After leadership turnover, Ferguson Township poised to select new police chief

Ferguson Township is poised to soon choose who will lead its police department, a decision that would bring stability and closure to a more than yearlong process than has drawn out longer than expected.

In the more than 13 months since former police Chief John Petrick resigned with time left on his contract, the township has gone through two interim leaders and is now onto its third.

The township said in a press release Thursday that former State College police Chief Tom King will take the temporary role in mid-November following the retirement of Lt. Dan Lewis, a 13-year veteran who has served as officer in charge since May.

Lewis previously served as an officer, detective and union president. The township said he was instrumental in developing the department’s cellphone forensic investigation program.

“Lieutenant Lewis demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication throughout his time with the Ferguson Township Police Department,” the township said. “... The Township extends its appreciation for his service and contributions to the community and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.”

Sgt. Shawn Morrison was acting chief after Petrick’s departure. He returned to his regular position in May for what the township described as “personal reasons.”

Ferguson Township narrowed its pool of 41 applicants for the top spot to four finalists, all of whom township Manager Centrice Martin said are external candidates. Final interviews are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

Each candidate will participate in interviews with three panels representing the township’s leadership, residents and regional law enforcement and municipal leaders. Martin said her township anticipates making a decision “shortly thereafter.”

The township had tentatively planned to select its preferred candidate the week of Aug. 25 and have them begin “October or before.” Martin told the Centre Daily Times the process was extended to “ensure a more thorough and inclusive evaluation of the final candidates, recognizing that scheduling can be challenging amid competing priorities.”

“The Township remains committed to selecting the right candidate and was intentional in not rushing such an important decision,” Martin wrote in an email. “This extended period has also provided valuable opportunities for the department’s command staff — both union and non-union officers — to gain additional experience in managing day-to-day operations and collaborating with the Manager’s Office throughout the transition.

“That engagement has strengthened internal leadership capacity and informed the Township’s understanding of the department’s future needs.”

King, who served as State College’s top officer for 23 years before his retirement in 2016, has been in a consulting role with Ferguson Township for the past two months. The township said his job has included evaluating and assisting with the police department’s accreditation program, meeting with township leaders about administrative and operational matters, and supporting the recruitment process.

It was not immediately clear how much the township has paid for King’s consulting services. Martin said his rate is $60 per hour and she must approve any time beyond 30 hours per month.

Depending on when a new chief is hired and on the job, King’s stint as interim chief may be brief.

“We’re grateful for Tom King’s willingness to step in during this important period,” she said in a statement. “His extensive experience in community policing and executive leadership will provide valuable continuity as the Township completes the Police Chief recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standard of professionalism and service that our community expects.”

Bret Pallotto

Centre Daily Times

814-231-4648

Bret Pallotto primarily reports on courts and crime for the Centre Daily Times. He was raised in Mifflin County and graduated from Lock Haven University.