Ferguson Township selects longtime police officer as next chief. ‘It is an honor’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ferguson Township selected Matthew Wilson as next police chief, starting in January.
- Wilson will lead a department serving about 19,000 residents in the State College area.
- He brings long tenure at State College police, operational leadership and community focus.
A State College police administrator credited for his operational expertise, dedication and organization was approved Wednesday as Ferguson Township’s next police chief, bringing an end to a search that lasted more than a year.
State College police Capt. Matthew Wilson, who served as the department’s second-in-command since 2017, gained the unanimous approval of Ferguson Township’s supervisors. He is expected to take over as chief at the start of the new year.
“It is an honor and privilege to be selected to serve the Ferguson Township community and police department as the next chief of police,” Wilson said in a written statement. “I leave an incredible organization in the State College Police Department with many relationships that have shaped who I am today.
“Having lived in Ferguson Township for 25 years and working alongside Ferguson Township officers for the last 29 years, I am excited for this opportunity to serve in the community where I reside and for an equally exceptional and professional organization.”
He will be the township’s first full-time chief since September 2024, when his predecessor John Petrick resigned with nearly four months left on his contract.
Wilson emerged on top from a pool of 41 applicants. Township Manager Centrice Martin previously told the Centre Daily Times the four finalists were all external candidates.
“Ferguson Township is proud to welcome Matthew Wilson as our next Police Chief,” Martin said in a written statement. “His proven leadership, depth of experience, and commitment to community-centered policing make him the right person to guide the Ferguson Township Police Department into its next chapter.”
Wilson will oversee a department of about 20 officers who police in a community of about 19,000 in the State College area. He’s been with State College police for nearly 30 years.
As the borough’s assistant police chief, Wilson has overseen patrol operations, managed personnel, led internal review boards, modernized equipment and technology, and coordinated public safety efforts. He’s a Penn State and Northwestern alumnus.
The township said his leadership reflects a “deep commitment to community-centered policing, transparency, accountability, and service.”
“His demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, his strengths in community engagement, and his extensive command-level experience make him exceptionally well suited to guide the Ferguson Township Police Department into its next chapter,” Martin said. “Chief-Select Wilson embodies the professionalism, accountability, and community-centered approach that our residents expect and deserve. I look forward to partnering with him as we continue strengthening our organization, enhancing public trust, and supporting FTPD dedicated officers who serve our community every day.”
State College police Chief John Gardner told the CDT he believes Wilson will be successful as Ferguson Township’s top officer, describing him as an attentive listener and strong collaborator.
“Matt’s a very dedicated, loyal employee,” Gardner said. “He has a tremendous work ethic and tremendous ethics. You can trust him with the most sensitive of information.”
Gardner said he’s enjoyed bouncing ideas off his top assistant, someone who he said isn’t afraid of voicing differing viewpoints. He also said one of Wilson’s greatest strengths is his organizational skills.
Gardner, a Ferguson Township resident, urged Wilson to trust himself as he steps into the top job.
“If he takes the skills and the abilities he’s demonstrated here and he takes them with him to Ferguson Township — and I have no doubt that he will — he’s going to be highly successful,” Gardner said. “... I know that the citizens of Ferguson Township are going to get a person who is in this business for the right reason, who has demonstrated that through performance time and time again.”
Wilson’s hiring appears to bring stability to a department that has gone through three interim leaders since Petrick’s resignation.
Sgt. Shawn Morrison was named acting chief, but returned to his regular position in May for what the township described as “personal reasons.” Lt. Dan Lewis, a 13-year veteran then served as officer in charge, but is preparing to retire. The police department will soon be led by former State College police Chief Tom King until Wilson begins.