Souderton Borough chief’s contract renewed for four years

Souderton Borough Chief of Police James Leary’s contract has been extended for another four years, with an option to add D fiIWK yHDU.

“It’s a remarkably welcoming community, remarkably supportive, and I’m happy to continue in my service,” Leary said after Souderton Borough Council’s Oct. 1 meeting at which the contract extension was approved.

Leary, who was hired as Souderton’s chief in June 2010, retired as Rockledge Borough’s FKLHI Ln 2009 DIWHU fivH yHDUV in that position. He previously worked 23 years for the Abington Township Police Department, where he was a lieutenant.

Leary’s salary this year is $85,000, Mike Coll, borough manager, said.

“He’s not a member of the bargaining unit, but his salary Dnd EHnHfiWV wRuOd EH WLHd WR it,” Coll said. Under the current FRnWUDFW, WKH RIfiFHUV Dnd LHDUy will receive a 2.5 percent pay increase next year.

During the meeting, Leary also reported on the department’s participation in the Sept. 29 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

“We collected 26 pounds of prescription drugs and medications just this Saturday,” Leary said.

A total of 93 pounds of drugs has been collected since the drop-off box, which is available at all times, was installed at the police station earlier this year, he said.

People with old, unused or expired prescription drugs are encouraged to bring the drugs to a drop-off for proper disposal.

“Please don’t bury it. Please dRn’W fluVK LW,” LHDUy VDLd. “Please don’t let it get into the hands of those who shouldn’t have it.”

The Sept. 29 drop-off day in Souderton also included a food collection for the Keystone Opportunity Center food pantry.

The Oct. 1 meeting also included a report on and recognition of fundraising activities during the Community Night Out organized by the police department and held Aug. 21 in Souderton Community Park.

“We had three different fundraisers going on at the same WLPH,” 2IfiFHU DDvLd GDOH VDLd.

6DOHV RI wDIflHV Dnd LFH FUHDP brought in $350 for the Chestnut Street Playground. A dunk tank raised $150 for Souderton Community Pool. The car show, RUJDnLzHd Ey EDVW 3Hnn 0RdLfiers Club, brought in $300 each for Keystone Opportunity Center, Chestnut Street Playground Dnd ,ndLDn 9DOOHy BRyV & GLUOV Club.

The Community Night Out also included public safety personnel and equipment demonstrations, along with entertainment.

“In my estimation, it was an incredible success,” Leary said.

A waffle and ice cream sale at Souderton’s Aug. 21 Community Night Out raised $350 for the Chestnut Street Playground. Pictured are, standing from left, Pastor Gerry Clemmer, Souderton Mennonite Church; Dianna Fields, Souderton police administrative...

Souderton Independent staff photos — BOB KEELER The car show organized by East Penn Modifiers Club and held during Souderton’s Aug. 21 Community Night Out raised $300 for Keystone Opportunity Center, $300 for Chestnut Street Playground and $300 for Indian Valley Boys & Girls Club. Pictured are,...

A $150 contribution was made to Souderton Community Pool from money raised by the pool staff’s dunk tank at the Aug. 21 Community Night Out. Pictured are, back from left, Triston Loux, Souderton Borough Council junior councilor and a lifeguard;...