Retiring Officer Dalton recognized by board
Another one of Montgomery Township’s finest has called it a career, and township officials vow he will be the last officer to do so for a while.
Longtime police Officer Andrew Dalton was recognized by the township’s supervisors Monday night, and Kevin Andrews, Chief of Staff for State Senator Stewart Greenleaf, said Dalton’s departure marks the end of a year of transition for the department.
“I think it’s a testament to the kind of ship you run here, that —” said Andrews, before being interrupted by Dalton. “That we’re all leaving?” Dalton joked. “That you have so many who are willing to stay around for so long,” Andrews replied.
Dalton joined the department in August 1992 after six prior years as a police officer in Stone Harbor, according to police Chief Scott Bendig.
During his time in Montgomery Township, Dalton has served in various roles including as a Highway Safety Unit officer, Special Operations Unit officer, motor carrier inspector, and a member of the Montgomery County SWAT team.
“Officer Dalton currently serves as a First Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves, and has been deployed on several occasions, including to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa,” said Bendig.
Over the years Dalton has received numerous letters of appreciation from residents, business owners, civic groups, and fellow law enforcement agencies, along with departmental commendations for his actions as an officer.
Bendig presented Dalton with a framed case of various unit patches and insignia depicting the groups in which he had served, in addition to a plaque from the board of supervisors.
“Officer Dalton has shown exemplary dedication and professionalism in his service to the community, the residents, and businesses, and his dedication and leadership will be sorely missed,” Bendig said.
Andrews presented a proclamation to Dalton on behalf of Greenleaf and the entire state Senate, and Laura Smith, chief of staff for state Rep. Todd Stephens, presented a similar
proclamation from the state House. Bendig said Dalton was the fifth officer the department has lost to retirement over the past year, and Andrews said that sudden spate of retirements was a sign of an experienced group.
“They’ve all been very long-tenured officers, and Officer Dalton is just the latest in a great line of officers who have retired this year,” he said.