New interim police chief to start in West Grove

The borough named Michael P. King to replace Errol Galloway, who is retiring in September.

WESTGROVE» The borough has named a new interim police chief to replace Errol Galloway, who retired in September.

According to a press release issued on Monday, the council and mayor selected Michael P. King to lead the department. King will be sworn in on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.

King has law enforcement experience in southern Chester County. He retired from the Pennsylvania State Police in April 2013 after 25 years of service and is working as a part-time police officer with the New Garden Township Police Department.

The borough’s statement said it is King’s enthusiastic embracing of community policing philosophies that makes him a good fit for West Grove.

Borough Manager Sharon Nesbitt said King has been hired on an interim basis because borough officials are not sure what the future holds for a proposed regional police force that Kennett, Kennett Square, London Grove and New Garden have already committed to pursuing.

West Grove is surrounded by London Grove, but no long term decisions have been made, Nesbitt said. Galloway, in an interview immediately before his retirement, said joining regional forces can save money but they also can take away the personal contact officers in small departments have with the people they police.

Nesbitt said the borough is going to work with King to see what direction it should go in under his leadership.

“This is a change in direction for police department. The mayor and council believe that the residents will be pleased with the selection. Chief King will begin administrative duties immediately. Uniformed duties will commence sometime in December,” the press release said.