Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Cars and Parts Swap Meet
Home > Blogs > West Chester News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > October > 22 > Entry
The search for a new chief
We’re running a pair of stories this week that take a closer look at the township’s search for a new leader of its police department.
Rather than asking them to comment on the interview process, or state why they would be qualified (which they couldn’t or wouldn’t do anyway), I took a look at each candidate’s personnel file and provided a quick synopsis of their backgrounds.
The candidates are: Captains Joel Herzog and David Kelly and Lt. Erik Niehaus.
Read the first story here, and find out more about the three men here.
Earlier this year, West Chester Twp. Trustees decided not to renew the contract of Chief John Bruce, which expires Dec. 31. A discussion last month that focused on their decision showed the frustration some trustees saw as a bad “double-dipping” policy.
Bruce told me earlier this week that Herzog and Kelly deserve the nod over Niehaus because of their experience at the command level.
And he also expressed his frustration over being left out of the selection process, saying, “Don’t get me wrong, I love this community. It’s been such an honor to serve in this position,” Bruce said. “But it’s just unfortunate they (township officials) won’t let you go without beating you out the door.”
What are your thoughts about the township’s next chief? How did Bruce do throughout his 29-year career in West Chester?
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Chief Search
Comments
By Jabe
October 22, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
I find it extremely disheartening that someone who has served West Chester with such honor for 30 years could be treated so poorly by the township’s administration. John Bruce is, without question, one of the finest leaders our Police Department and our community has ever seen. Most companies celebrate the career of a dedicated employee who served for 30 years. West Chester, however, seems to be seeking the most underhanded and insulting way to end an otherwise dignified and decorated career. My hat is off to John Bruce and I sincerely thank him for his service and his love for the community and the country. It is thanks to John that we are left with these three highly-qualified candidates to succeed him as Chief of Police.
By C. Campbell
October 22, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
While I do not live in West Chester I do know Chief Bruce. He is now and always has been a professional. He in my mind is a class act that is being treated very badly. His leaving will be West Chesters loss.He deserves to be treated better given the outstanding service he has given the department.
By erin
October 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
First of all the Colonel has done a great job. But the reporter has not done a good job of reporting the facts. The Colonel retired 3 years ago, asked to be rehired while a WC could decide on a new chief, and was given a 3 year contract. The Trustees had a mutual agreement with the chief.The Chief was not fired, thrown out etc, but WC is looking to hire from within. The reporter writes like the chief is being forced out,not the case. WC is looking to fill the post from within.
By Jabe
October 22, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
But he is being forced out. Bruce and others are the victims of an administration that is misguided at best, erratic and vengeful at worst. While I have confidence in whomever is chosen to follow Bruce, I do not envy what they will have to deal with.
By Mike
October 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
West Chester is crazy to let one of the best Police Chiefs in the country to leave. The ‘double-dipping’ rant shows ignorance. Most council members don’t serve full-time, moonlighting at some other profession. Many other area police agencies have a ‘drop program’ where law enforcement agencies allow their officers to retire and keep them for an additional seven years. Why? Because they want their wisdom and experience to stay. Many sheriffs are retired from other law enforcement agencies. The law enforcement vocation is well aware of Chief Bruce’s outstanding leadership. True leaders are rare. West Chester taxpayers (not just residents) are losing one of the nation’s best. I hope Chief Bruce continues to serve the law enforcement vocation in some fashion…for all our sake!
By marylou
October 25, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Get rid of Chief Bruce, what goes around comes around, now you and Denise are getting what you finally deserve…..you two hurt alot of people from this west chester reign of yours…….
By Jerry Lee
October 30, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Police work is based on integrity, trust and professionalism. Which did the chief violate? It appears all three. And he has the nerve to demand an apology from the trustees? Well, I demand an apology from the trustees as well. An apology for not taking swift and certain action for the township. But then, its not the first time the trustees have refused to take action on his malfeasance. Mrs Stoker, Mr. Lang, Mr Wong, show the township you are tired of these antics and relieve Mr. Bruce of his position.
By Will
November 10, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Well, I have not been really impressed with the police department within the past year. I think that they are some of the rudest, most unprofessional people I have ever met. I think that in order for the department to regain some of its glory back, they need to find a new police chief, seriously look at how they police West Chester and work hand in hand with the community. I think that the who wear the badge should be held to a standard. That goes for everyone from Chief Bruce on down to the last officer on the department. To allow him to get away with this “mistake” would be damaging the reputation, or what is left of it, of the West Chester Police Department. Just because you carry a gun, and wear a badge, does not make you right all the time.
By Will
November 10, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Well, I have not been really impressed with the police department within the past year. I think that they are some of the rudest, most unprofessional people I have ever met. I think that in order for the department to regain some of its glory back, they need to find a new police chief, seriously look at how they police West Chester and work hand in hand with the community. I think that the who wear the badge should be held to a standard. That goes for everyone from Chief Bruce on down to the last officer on the department. To allow him to get away with this “mistake” would be damaging the reputation, or what is left of it, of the West Chester Police Department. Just because you carry a gun, and wear a badge, does not make you right all the time. This goes for everyone in the law enforcement field. Do not screw it up for the rest of the good honest decent police officers.