CLEARFIELD – A changing of the guard is under way within the Lawrence Township Police Department. On Tuesday, the Lawrence Township Supervisors learned that Jeff Fink was retiring, effective the end of the month. Fink has served as chief of the Lawrence Township Police Department since July 2006.
Sgt. Mark Brooks was on hand at the meeting to discuss what direction the supervisors wanted the police department to go until a chief could be named.
“It poses some concerns,” Brooks said of Fink retiring. “The leader of the department is stepping off. We’ve lost some guys.”
Brooks said the department is essentially down four officers. He indicated that manpower was an issue, bringing up one officer’s recent sickness. He said it ultimately resulted in the department not having someone on for a two hour time-period. Brooks said he called the state police, and they took calls from the township. Brooks said they responded to one domestic during the shift discussed.
Supervisor Chair Glenn Johnston asked if the state police adequately covered the calls. Brooks said he would like to say yes, but he was unsure what their response time was. He stated he would contact them to get that information.
Brooks said the force will be down another man in August due to an officer being down for medical reasons.
“There are going to be times when we won’t have anyone on,” said Brooks. He asked the supervisors to hire someone so they can continue with effective police coverage.
Johnston stated the supervisors were still “reeling” from the chief’s retirement letter, and indicated they were not in a position to make a decision on hires. He told Brooks they would be in touch with him in the near future to figure out the work details.
The supervisors then approved advertising for a new police chief. Supervisor Ed Brown then questioned whether they should appoint an interim chief or give one of the officers the duties of the chief, in particular, Brooks.
Supervisor Bill Lawhead said Brooks was not real happy with the (manpower) situation. He said he discussed it with Brooks, and stated that the hire of one or two part-timers would help fill shifts.
“Either that or we have to approve overtime,” said Lawhead.
“That didn’t answer any of the questions,” stated Johnston. Brooks was asked if he wanted to assume the position of interim chief until such time that a new chief was named.
Brooks, a 22 year veteran of the LTPD, said it was a small police department and that everyone does the same job.
“My desire is to give back to the community,” said Brooks. “With seven men … I don’t feel I could provide a proper level of service.”
At this point in the meeting, Johnston expressed his anger. He accused Brooks of politicking the manpower issue. He stated the supervisors were aware there are manpower issues. He said all they wanted from Brooks was a simple yes or no. Brooks responded, saying he was not politicking, just making his position clear.
Brooks agreed to fill in as the interim chief. The supervisors then approved the title, as well as giving Brooks chief’s pay as long as he is interim chief.
