Retiring police Sgt. Mitchell recognized
Longtime police officer served 33 years with Montgomery Township department
The members of the Montgomery Township Police Department has said farewell to two of their own, and will have big shoes to fill moving forward.
Sgt. Daniel Mitchell was recognized by the township supervisors Monday night, as the department prepares for life without him and Det. Mike Solis, who will be honored next month.
“It’s a big, big leadership vacuum here. Dan has been running a squad since 2000, so he’s going to be sorely missed, his leadership and experience,” said Police Chief Scott Bendig.
Mitchell started his career with the department as a patrol officer in June 1985, and worked for a year in 1990-91 with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s County Detectives Narcotics Enforcement Team. After returning to the township, Mitchell
worked in the department’s Detective Division until June 2000, when he was promoted to corporal, and two years later he was promoted again to sergeant.
Throughout that career, Mitchell served as a member of the department’s Special Operations Unit, a firearms instructor, field training officer, and EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) instructor.
During his time with the department, Mitchell earned six commendations
for outstanding actions as an officer, in addition to letters
of appreciation from residents and nearby law
enforcement agencies, and Bendig said Mitchell “has shown exemplary dedication and professionalism” in serving Montgomery Township.
“Mitch got hired in 1985, and I was hired in ’89, and he and I have worked together my entire career here. I’m happy for him — he was very happy with the decision, and has a lot of things lined up for post-retirement,” Bendig said.
Mitchell and Solis were recognized by their colleagues and fellow officers on Friday morning as they arrived for their final shifts with the department, and Bendig said Solis will receive a similar recognition for his 29 years of service at the supervisors’ March 13 meeting.
Before the two retirements, the department consisted of a chief, two lieutenants, one detective sergeant and four squad sergeants among its total staffing of 36 full-time officers and three police K-9s.
“The board has allowed us to start the promotion process, as well as the hiring process, so we’re doing our best to maintain our current allotment of officers, and our command structure,” said Bendig.
“We’re fortunate that way, but he’s going to be missed, to say the least.”