West Chester to get new police chief

WEST CHESTER » Mayor Dianne Herrin is poised to recommend a new police chief, which will likely be the most important decision she makes as mayor.

For the most part, West Chester mayors attend ribbon cuttings and present keys to the borough as part of a mostly ceremonial position, but more importantly are also tasked with heading the police force. As the face of the borough,

Herrin also has the ability to veto and break ties at borough council meetings.

As mayor, Herrin has extended her reach and championed several causes and issues.

Herrin said she will likely recommend a candidate at the March 18 borough council voting session, and she expects council to immediately vote to confirm her decision.

Councilman Bernie Flynn said this is an “exciting time” for West Chester.

Herrin said she was surprised when

20-year police chief Scott Bohn announced his retirement on Dec. 10 with his last day on Jan. 9. Bohn took a job as executive director of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

“It was probably a difficult decision for him,” Herrin said about Bohn. “He went where he can continue to make a big impact.”

Herrin decided to limit the search to officers currently on the force. Three internal candidates were interviewed on Saturday by a 10-member group of experts for 80 minutes each.

“We have excellent candidates who know this community very well and are very qualified to do the job,” Herrin said. “As the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.’”

Either Lt. Jim Morehead, Lt. Marty Deighan or Sgt. Jeffrey Ditz will likely become the next chief. Morehead and Deighan are now acting as co-chiefs.

Choosing an internal candidate also leads to other opportunities. “We have a very good police force,” Herrin said. “It was created very intentionally.

“It also creates promotional opportunities within our borough which our officers deserve.”

A panel of chiefs from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association evaluated and set a benchmark for seven skills for each officer.

Herrin said she seeks a new chief who will be a strong leader.

“To me that means several things, can he respond to and interact effectively with the community and communicate well with the community,” she said.

She also seeks someone who can “lead our 44-member police department in a way that keeps the force focused, accountable and motivated,” Herrin said.

“Can they manage internal relationships in the borough with council and the borough manager?” she asked.

“Are they well versed in modern day policing and can move us proactively into the future?” Herrin also asked.

Councilman Don Braceland said all three candidates interviewed very well and answered the tough questions.

“With the sheriff, former D.A. and mayors it was a great panel,” Braceland said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Pictured from left: Former Chester County District Attorney Joe Carroll, Former Mayor/Councilman Jordan Norley, 3-term Mayor Tom Chambers, resident Bryan Travis, Mayor Dianne Herrin, Borough Council Vice President Don Braceland, Borough Council President Michael Galey, Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox, and East Bradford Township Manager Mandie Cantlin.