Supervisors formally dismiss police chief, name acting chief

Exeter Township has a new acting police chief.

The supervisors voted unanimously Monday to ratify the appointment of Lt. Matthew Harley as acting police chief, replacing Wendell Morris after a decision to part with Morris.

Morris had been with the township for just over three years.

According to interim township manager Mary McBride the decision with Morris was mutual and not based on performance.

When contacted by the Reading Eagle, Morris said in an email that it was his honor and privilege to serve the citizens of the township.

“I value the friendships and relationships that I formed there over the past three-plus years,” he wrote. “The Exeter Township Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Exeter Township. The tremendous support that the community provides to the police department is a direct reflection of the hard work and partnerships formed between the police officers and the citizens they serve. I have served in law enforcement for 29 years, and as I move on to my next chapter, I will always value my time in Exeter Township.”

He did not mention the reason behind his separation.

There were two votes Monday night: 4-1 to separate from Morris and 5-0 to bring on Harley.

Supervisor Vice Chairman David Hughes made a point to say he was not involved in the decision to separate from Morris. He voted no in the separation vote.

Harley, who’s effective date as chief was Friday, is a 20-plus-year veteran with Exeter and served as Exeter police chief several years ago.